Omaha Hi/Low: General Summary
Posted in Omaha on 01/23/2026 06:25 am by Ayden
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker games. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so quickly.
Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is the point where a number of entrants get flustered. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use precisely three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular 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 is the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same notion in just about every poker game.
A lower hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no low hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.
While it seems difficult at first, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing collection of wagering choices and because you have many players battling for the high hand, and several trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.