Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha hi/lo begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A round of wagering ensues in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are handed out, this is referred to as the flop. A further round of wagering ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting ensues and then the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to put together the best high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where many players often get confused. Contrasted to Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize precisely three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, no less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can 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 every player’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the very same concept in almost all poker games.

A low hand is more complicated, but really free’s up the action. When determining a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the higher hand takes the whole pot.

Although it seems complicated at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the basic nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting range of betting choices and seeing that you have numerous players shooting for the high, along with many battling for the low. If you love a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to compete in Omaha hi low.