Omaha 8 or better is a variant of the Omaha poker game.  It is one of the poker games frequently played online today.  The game might seem strange to others and look complicated, but once the player understands the basic of the game, he/she will have no problem catching up.  Omaha 8/b is about making the most out of a situation.  Players are given access to different card combination that they can use.  Combined with a good strategy, players can secure the pot.  Before playing the game all players must be acquainted with the basics first.

Texas Hold’em Versus Omaha 8/b

Omaha 8 or better is quite similar to Texas Hold’em.  In fact the basic rules also apply for the game.  The main exception is that players need to two cards from their hand and play three on the board.  This means that if there five diamonds on the board, you need two diamonds to make a flush.  Players are required to use their two hole cards to make the highest hand or qualify for the lowest hand.

Omaha 8 or better is played a high/low split game.  As mentioned above, the first half of the pot goes to the highest hand and the rest goes to the best qualifying low hand.  Players are dealt with four cards.  Players must use their two hole cards to play with three others on the board to make the highest five-card hand.  They must also use two hole cards to play with the other three on the board to make the best qualifying low hand.  But a low only exists if three of the cards 8 and below in different ranks are on the board.  If there is none the player with highest hand gets all of the pot.

Two Types of Low Hands

Low hands have two types.  The best low hand possible is 54321 while the worst is 87654.  To be able to lessen the confusion, read it as a whole number.  Read your cards starting with the highest to the lowest.  The cards or numbers closest to 54321 wins.  There will be instances of a tie, which will further split half of the pot.  Tied players will end up with a quarter of the pot each.

The main goal of the game is to be able to get half or scoop all of the pot.  Low limit Omaha games are cheaper and easiest to beat, as long as they are played properly.

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