Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha hi/low starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have either called or folded, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where many players get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same concept in almost all poker games.

The lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the entire pot.

Although it seems difficult at the outset, following a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an exciting assortment of betting possibilities and because you have numerous players shooting for the high hand, as well as a few shooting for the low hand. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.