Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker games. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites action from all levels of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has expanded in popularity so quickly.

Omaha/8 starts just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is known as the flop. Another round of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. a further round of wagering happens and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers will need to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a number of players get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use precisely three cards on the board, and exactly 2 cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same concept in nearly every poker game.

A lower hand is more complicated, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the worst 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 lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the high hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem complicated initially, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to get the basic subtleties of play easily enough. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming range of betting options and owing to the fact that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.