Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complex but favored poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so rapidly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many entrants often get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

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

The low hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that 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 smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand wins the entire pot.

While it seems complicated at the outset, after a few rounds you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha hi/low offers an overwhelming assortment of wagering possibilities and because you have many individuals shooting for the high, along with many trying for the low. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha Hi-Lo.