Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi-low begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A round of betting follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same approach in almost all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult initially, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting collection of wagering choices and because you have several individuals battling for the high, and many shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha hi/low.