Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. One more round of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The players will have to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where many entrants get confused. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in almost every poker game.
A low hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand takes the whole pot.
It may seem complicated initially, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming array of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high, along with a few battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha hi low.