Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha hi-low starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some players get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same notion in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could 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 eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems complex initially, after a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi low provides an exciting array of wagering possibilities and because you have several individuals battling for the high, and a few shooting for the low. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha/8.