Omaha Hi-Lo: Basic Outline
Posted in Poker on 06/22/2017 02:25 am by Nolan
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so quickly.
Omaha 8 or better starts like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is where some entrants get confused. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in almost every poker game.
The lower hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the complete pot.
It may seem complex at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha High-Low provides an exciting collection of wagering options and because you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.