Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a few players often get baffled. Contrasted to Holdem, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same approach in nearly all poker games.
The lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the whole pot.
While it seems difficult initially, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha Hi-Lo offers an exciting assortment of betting possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as many battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
Comments