Omaha

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will have to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many players often get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in almost all poker games.

The low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand wins the whole pot.

While it seems difficult at the outset, after a few hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the base nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of betting options and seeing that you have several individuals trying for the high, along with many shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha hi-low.