01.09
Omaha Hi/Lo: Basic Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha hi low starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few players get baffled. Unlike Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical approach in nearly all poker games.
The low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could 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 eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.
Although it seems complex at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and because you have many individuals battling for the high, and many shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.