Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but favored poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.

Omaha/8 starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting follows where gamblers can bet, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few players can get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in almost every poker game.

The lower hand is more difficult, 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 might be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the whole pot.

While it seems difficult at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming collection of wagering possibilities and because you have numerous individuals battling for the high hand, and several battling for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.