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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant variation, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.

Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many entrants often get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same notion in just about all poker games.

The low hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems complex initially, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi/lo.

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