Omaha Hi-Low: Fundamental Overview
Posted in Omaha on 09/28/2025 11:25 am by Luna
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It’s a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.
Omaha hi/low starts exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants often get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical approach in nearly all poker games.
A lower hand is more complex, but really opens 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 value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.
Although it seems complex at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of play easily enough. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming range of betting options and because you have many individuals shooting for the high, and several trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.