Omaha Hi-Lo: Fundamental Overview
Posted in Omaha on 11/15/2015 10:21 am by Luna
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting happens and then 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 often get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at the outset, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting array of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high, as well as several shooting for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha/8.