Poker Tips

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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, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in popularity so quickly.

Omaha hi low begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers 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 will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where some entrants often get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in just about all poker games.

A low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.

Although it seems complicated at first, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an exciting assortment of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha/8.