11
July
Written by Abdiel.
Posted in: Poker
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure game, has expanded in popularity so quickly.
Omaha/8 begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting follows in which players can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of betting happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have 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 Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal 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 strongest possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in just about all poker games.
A lower hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the worst 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 smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems difficult initially, after a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha hi low offers an exciting assortment of betting options and because you have several individuals battling for the high, and several shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha/8.
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