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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's a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. a further round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers must attempt to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few entrants get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can be every player's hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It is the strongest possible hand out of every player's, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in almost every poker game.

A lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes don't count. A low hand is the weakest 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 smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.

While it seems difficult initially, following a few rounds you will be able to get the basic nuances of play simply enough. Since you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming collection of betting possibilities and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low hand. If you like a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.