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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is often times viewed as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker games. It is a game that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once irrelevant game, has increased in acceptance so amazingly.

Omaha hi lo starts like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where gamblers can bet, check, or drop out. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of wagering ensues. After all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, a further card is flipped on the turn. an additional sequence of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The players will need to put together the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few entrants can get baffled. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can be everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi/low the player has to use precisely three cards from the board, and precisely 2 cards from their hand. No more, no less. Contrary to regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just what it sounds like. It is the best possible hand out of every player’s, regardless if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It’s the same approach in just about every poker game.

The lower hand is more complex, but really opens up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that could be put together, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not 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 smaller. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand takes the complete pot.

While it seems difficult at the outset, following a few hands you will be able to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an exciting array of wagering possibilities and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals shooting for the high, and a few trying for the low. If you love a game with a considerable amount of outs and actions, it is worth your time to play Omaha High-Low.