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

Omaha 8 or better starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to every player. A sequence of betting follows in which gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, an additional card is revealed on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where some entrants get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player must use precisely three cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

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

A low hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the entire pot.

It may seem difficult initially, after a couple of rounds you will be able to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play 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 offers an exciting array of betting options and seeing that you have numerous individuals battling for the high, as well as a few shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi-low.