Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most difficult but favored poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A round of betting ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to make the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where many players often get baffled. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may 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 everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same concept in just about every poker game.

A low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the action. 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 worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.

While it seems complex at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of play 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 in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing array of betting options and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low hand. If you prefer a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to participate in Omaha/8.