Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better starts just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants will have to make the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few players often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of everyone’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in almost all poker games.

A low hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.

Although it seems complicated initially, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the fundamental subtleties of play easily enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha Hi-Lo provides an amazing range of wagering options and because you have numerous players trying for the high, and several battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha hi lo.