Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but popular poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha hi lo starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to use precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just 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 very same notion in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems complex at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of play with ease. Since you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an amazing range of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have many players trying for the high hand, as well as many battling for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi lo.