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

Omaha/8 begins just like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are dealt to every player. A round of wagering follows in which gamblers can wager, check, or fold. 3 cards are given out, this is called the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. Once all the gamblers have in turn called or dropped out, an additional card is flipped on the turn. Another round of wagering ensues and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will have to put together the best high and low 5 card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where a few players get flustered. Contrasted to Texas Hold 'Em, in which the board can be everyone's hand, in Omaha hi/lo the player must use precisely 3 cards on the board, and precisely two cards from their hand. No more, not a single card less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "high hand" or the "lower hand."

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

The lower hand is more complex, 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 might be put together, with the lowest value being A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The low hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and smaller. The low hand wins half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand wins the entire pot.

While it seems complex at the start, after a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base nuances of play simply enough. Seeing as you have players wagering for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as such a large number of cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an amazing collection of betting options and seeing that you have numerous individuals trying for the high hand, as well as many battling for the low. If you love a game with a lot of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.