Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but favored poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant variation, has expanded in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of betting ensues where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few players often get flustered. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same concept in just about every poker game.

The lower hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be made, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand wins the complete pot.

While it seems difficult at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of the game easily 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/8 offers an overwhelming range of betting possibilities and owing to the fact that you have several individuals trying for the high, as well as many shooting for the low. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.