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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible variation, has grown in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha/8 starts just 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. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few entrants can get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player has to use precisely 3 cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

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

The lower hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems difficult at the outset, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha 8 or better provides an overwhelming range of wagering options and seeing that you have several individuals trying for the high hand, along with many trying for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/low.