Omaha Hi/Lo: Basic Outline

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better starts like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a number of players can get baffled. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to use precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in almost every poker game.

A low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

Although it seems complex initially, after a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha High-Low provides an overwhelming collection of betting options and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high hand, along with many trying for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.