Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but popular poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering follows in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. One more sequence of betting ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where a number of players can get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the same notion in just about all poker games.

The lower hand is more complicated, but certainly 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 lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the whole pot.

Although it seems complex at the start, after a few hands you will be able to get the basic subtleties of play with ease. Seeing as you have people betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi lo provides an exciting assortment of betting options and seeing that you have numerous players battling for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low. If you like a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha hi low.