Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s 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 invisible variation, has increased in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants can get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical concept in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
Although it seems difficult initially, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of play easily enough. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an amazing range of betting options and because you have many players battling for the high, and many trying for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.