Omaha Hi-Lo: Fundamental Summary
May 31st, 2020 at 15:25
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha hi low begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a few players get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can 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 everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.
The low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.
It may seem complex at first, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting array of wagering possibilities and because you have many players shooting for the high, as well as several shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.