Poker Tricks

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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is 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 increased in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha/8 starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering follows where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. One more sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many 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 has to use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the identical concept in nearly every poker game.

The low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand wins the entire pot.

It may seem difficult at the start, following a few hands you will be able to get the base subtleties of play easily enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an exciting assortment of wagering choices and seeing that you have many individuals trying for the high hand, along with many battling for the low. If you prefer a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.