Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where some entrants often get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."
A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same notion in nearly every poker game.
The low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Since 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 below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.
While it seems difficult at the start, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting assortment of wagering options and seeing that you have many individuals trying for the high, as well as a few trying for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha hi low.