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

Omaha/8 starts like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. One more round of wagering ensues. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to make the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is where some players often get flustered. Unlike Hold’em, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi-low the player has to utilize exactly three cards from the board, and precisely 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same concept in almost every poker game.

The low hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When figuring out a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem complex at the start, following a couple of rounds you will be able to get the base subtleties of play easily enough. Since you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming assortment of wagering possibilities and because you have numerous players trying for the high, as well as many trying for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to play Omaha 8 or better.