Omaha Hi-Low: Basic Overview
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but favored poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.
This is the point where many players can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be made, 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
Although it seems difficult initially, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game simply enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of betting possibilities and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high, as well as several shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
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