Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has increased in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are given out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is called 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 sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where some entrants can get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the very same concept in nearly every poker game.

A low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and below. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems difficult initially, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the base subtleties of the game simply enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi/low provides an amazing assortment of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have many players trying for the high, and many battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi low.