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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is frequently seen as one of the most complex but well-loved poker variations. It is a game that, even more than normal Omaha poker, invites action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once irrelevant game, has grown in popularity so rapidly.

Omaha/8 begins just like a normal game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A round of betting follows where players can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another round of wagering happens. Once all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. an additional round of betting ensues at which point the river card is revealed. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a number of entrants can get confused. Unlike Holdem, in which the board can be every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It’s the strongest possible hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same notion in just about all poker games.

A lower hand is more difficult, but certainly free’s up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. A low hand is the worst hand that could be made, with the worst being A-2-3-4-5. Because straights and flushes don’t 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 lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no low hand available, the higher hand takes the complete pot.

It may seem difficult at the outset, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of play simply enough. Seeing as you have individuals wagering for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at once, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming collection of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high hand, as well as several trying for the low. If you love a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha/8.