Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly viewed as one of the most difficult but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to every player. A round of wagering follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. an additional sequence of betting ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The entrants will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where many entrants get baffled. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player has to utilize exactly three cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot could be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

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

The low hand is more complicated, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest value hand possible. 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 high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

Although it seems complicated at first, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to get the fundamental nuances of play with ease. Seeing as 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 or better provides an exciting range of wagering choices and seeing that you have many individuals battling for the high hand, as well as several shooting for the low. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.