Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complex but favored poker games. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from all levels of players. This is the primary reason why a once obscure game, has grown in popularity so amazingly.

Omaha hi/low begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting follows in which gamblers can bet, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of betting ensues. Once all the players have in turn called or folded, another card is flipped on the turn. Another sequence of wagering happens at which point the river card is revealed. The players must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few players can get flustered. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, where the board can make up every player’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player must utilize precisely 3 cards from the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the strongest hand out of everyone’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the same notion in almost all poker games.

A lower hand is more complicated, but certainly free’s up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that might be put together, 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 value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the whole pot.

It may seem difficult at first, following a few rounds you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have individuals betting for the low and betting for the high, and since so many cards are being used at the same time, Omaha/8 provides an overwhelming collection of betting choices and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high, and several battling for the low hand. If you enjoy a game with a lot of outs and actions, it’s worth your time to compete in Omaha hi/lo.