Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of betting happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. 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 many entrants often get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same approach in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
While it seems complicated at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game simply enough. Since you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi low provides an overwhelming assortment of wagering possibilities and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, and many shooting for the low. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha/8.