Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in acceptance so rapidly.

Omaha 8 or better begins like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues where players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many players can get baffled. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same notion in just about all poker games.

A lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that might be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem difficult initially, after a few hands you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming array of wagering options and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha High-Low.