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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is commonly seen as one of the most difficult but popular poker games. It’s a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once obscure variation, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.

Omaha 8 or better begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to every player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of wagering happens. After all the players have in turn called or dropped out, another card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering follows and then the river card is flipped. The entrants must attempt to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a number of entrants can get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, whether that is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in nearly every poker game.

The low hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the action. 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 value being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there’s no lower hand available, the high hand wins the complete pot.

While it seems difficult at first, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of the game simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha hi/lo provides an exciting assortment of wagering options and because you have many individuals shooting for the high hand, as well as a few trying for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/lo.