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Omaha Hi/Low: Fundamental Summary

Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering follows where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where a number of players can get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two hole cards. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

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

A low hand is more complex, but certainly free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.

It may seem difficult at the outset, after a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming assortment of betting options and seeing that you have several players trying for the high hand, as well as many trying for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.