Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many entrants can get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up every player’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, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical notion in nearly all poker games.
A low hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.
Although it seems complex at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting assortment of wagering choices and because you have many individuals trying for the high, and several trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.