Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some players often get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same notion in almost all poker games.
The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the whole pot.
Although it seems complex at the outset, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play easily enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an amazing range of wagering options and because you have numerous players trying for the high hand, and several shooting for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.
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