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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but favored poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the players have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to make the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where some entrants can get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone's hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It's the best hand out of everyone's, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the very same concept in nearly all poker games.

A lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don't count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don't count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem complex at the start, after a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of play easily enough. Since you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing collection of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have numerous players trying for the high hand, along with several battling for the low. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it's worth your time to compete in Omaha/8.