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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has expanded in acceptance so quickly.

Omaha/8 starts like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to every player. A round of betting ensues where gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of betting happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues and then the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a number of players often get flustered. Unlike Holdem, where the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Contrary to normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the identical concept in just about all poker games.

The low 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 worst hand that could be made, with the lowest value being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The lower hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.

While it seems complicated initially, after a few hands you will be able to get the fundamental nuances of the game with ease. Since you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha hi low provides an overwhelming array of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals trying for the high, as well as many battling for the low. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/low.

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