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Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complicated but well-loved poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, invites play from every level of players. This is the main reason why a once invisible game, has grown in popularity so quickly.

Omaha/8 starts just like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are handed out to each player. A sequence of wagering ensues in which players can bet, check, or drop out. 3 cards are dealt out, this is referred to as the flop. Another sequence of wagering happens. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is revealed on the turn. Another round of wagering follows at which point the river card is revealed. The entrants will have to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.

This is the point where some players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold 'Em, where the board can be every player's hand, in Omaha hi low the player must utilize exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly 2 hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are two ways a pot may be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is just how it sounds. It's the best hand out of every player's, it doesn't matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It's the same concept in almost every poker game.

The low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens 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 worst being A-2-3-4-5. Since straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest possible hand. The low hand is any 5 card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no low hand presented, the higher hand takes the entire pot.

While it seems complicated at the start, after a few hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the basic subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have players betting for the low and betting for the high, and since such a large number of cards are being used at the same time, Omaha High-Low provides an exciting collection of wagering possibilities and because you have several individuals shooting for the high, as well as several trying for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it's worth your time to participate in Omaha hi-low.