Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most complicated but popular poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha hi/lo starts exactly like a normal game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. One more round of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have either called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will need to put together the best high and low 5 card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few entrants often get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use exactly 3 cards from the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to regular 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’s the strongest possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the identical concept in just about every poker game.

A lower hand is more complex, but really free’s up the play. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that might be made, with the lowest being made up of 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 lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and below. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems complicated initially, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of the game easily enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha 8 or better provides an exciting array of betting options and because you have many individuals trying for the high, and many shooting for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha 8 or better.