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

Omaha/8 starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of betting follows and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where many players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the identical notion in just about every poker game.

A low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of 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 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the complete pot.

Although it seems difficult at first, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are being used at once, Omaha 8 or better offers an overwhelming collection of wagering options and because you have several players shooting for the high, and a few battling for the low. If you like a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.