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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. Another round of wagering happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to make the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a number of entrants get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly 3 cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

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

A lower hand is more difficult, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.

Although it seems complex at the outset, following a couple of rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better offers an amazing assortment of betting possibilities and because you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, along with a few shooting for the low. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to play Omaha hi/lo.