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 well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has grown in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting follows where gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. One more round of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting happens and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a number of entrants get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in just about every poker game.

A low hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

Although it seems complicated initially, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an amazing range of betting possibilities and owing to the fact that you have many individuals battling for the high hand, as well as a few shooting for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.