There are two different versions of Omaha poker games: Omaha Hi and Omaha Hi Lo. The general rules of Omaha apply to both games, with the major difference being how the hands are won. In Omaha Hi, the player with the best high hand wins. In Omaha Hi Lo, the player with the best high hand splits the pot with the player with the lowest qualifying hand. To qualify for a low hand, you must not have a card greater than an eight. Omaha Hi Lo is also known as Omaha 8 or Hi Lo, though Omaha Hi Lo is the preferred title.

As in any poker game, it is important to know when to play and when to fold. Your ultimate goal when playing Omaha Hi Lo poker is to scoop the pot, which can happen when you have the highest hand and no qualifying low hand exists, or you have both the high hand and the low hand. Whether you decide to play or fold depends a lot on your starting hand.

Make sure that the four cards in your starting hand work well together. Having cards in the same suit, especially cards that can make a full house or a flush, are key to staying in the game. Remember, you'll only be using two of these cards, but a strong starting hand makes your chances of creating a winning combination more likely.

The best starting hands in Omaha Hi Lo poker usually consist of at least one ace. For example, a good starting hand would be ace, ace, two, three, because these are all cards that would make a good low hand. Other good starting hands include ace, ace, king, king or ace, ace, queen, queen. Matching suits make the hands even better. Once you've gotten your strategy down, try one of the online games offered through OnlinePoker.com.