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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker variations. It's a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so quickly.

Omaha 8 or better begins like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A round of wagering follows in which players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are dealt out, this is called the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. After all the gamblers have in turn called or folded, a further card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of wagering ensues at which point the river card is flipped. The players will have to put together the strongest high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is where a few players often get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up every player's hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player has to use exactly three cards from the board, and precisely two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are two ways a pot might be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

A high hand is exactly what it sounds like. It's the best hand out of every player's, it doesn't matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It is the very same approach in almost all poker games.

A lower hand is more complicated, but really free's up the action. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can 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 possible hand. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The low hand takes half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there's no lower hand available, the higher hand takes the entire pot.

Although it seems complex initially, after a few rounds you will be able to get the base nuances of the game with ease. Seeing as you have people wagering for the low and betting for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 offers an overwhelming assortment of wagering choices and owing to the fact that you have numerous individuals battling for the high hand, along with a few shooting for the low hand. If you like a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is not a waste of your time to play Omaha/8.