Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha hi low starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players often get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems difficult initially, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an amazing assortment of betting options and owing to the fact that you have numerous players shooting for the high, as well as many battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha/8.