Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex 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 main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha hi lo starts like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in nearly every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but certainly opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be made, 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 lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem complex at first, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting 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/8 offers an amazing array of betting options and because you have numerous players battling for the high hand, and many shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.