Omaha Hi-Low: Fundamental Overview
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha hi low starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players will need to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players often get baffled. Contrasted to Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize exactly three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in just about all poker games.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand wins the entire pot.
It may seem complicated at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing array of wagering options and seeing that you have many players trying for the high, along with many battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.
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