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

Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to utilize precisely 3 cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in just about all poker games.

The low hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that might be put together, with the lowest value being 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 five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.

Although it seems complex at first, after a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to get the fundamental subtleties of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming assortment of wagering options and because you have several individuals shooting for the high, along with a few battling for the low hand. If you like a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.