Omaha Hi Low: General Outline
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A round of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of players often get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in almost every poker game.
The low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low 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 worst possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.
It may seem complex initially, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have individuals 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 hi-low offers an overwhelming collection of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have many individuals shooting for the high, along with many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi-low.
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