Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure variation, has expanded in acceptance so rapidly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are given out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens at which point the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to put together the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where many players get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It is the strongest hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same approach in almost all poker games.

The low hand is more complex, 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 made, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.

While it seems difficult at first, after a few hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the base nuances of play with ease. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting assortment of betting choices and owing to the fact that you have many individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few battling for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha hi low.