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Omaha Hi/Lo: Fundamental Overview

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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 variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha/8 begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting follows in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is revealed. The entrants must attempt to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where some entrants get baffled. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical concept in just about all poker games.

The lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the entire pot.

While it seems complex initially, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play with ease. Since 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 8 or better provides an amazing assortment of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have several players battling for the high hand, along with several shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha High-Low.

 

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