05.09
Omaha Hi/Lo: General Outline
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 game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of players can get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in almost all poker games.
A lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at first, following a few hands you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha hi low offers an overwhelming collection of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous players shooting for the high hand, along with many battling for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha hi low.