If you’re new to the world of poker, one of the main points to keep in mind is the fact that there is not one single version of poker. Simply put, poker game has different variants, with the most popular ones being Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Omaha is also a community card variant just like Hold’em. The key difference between two formats is that a player is dealt 4 hole cards and 5 community cards are shared amongst players. The objective is to have the highest ranking hand by using 2 hole cards and 3 community cards.
Robert Turner is a legendary poker player most well-known for introducing the game of Omaha poker to Nevada in 1982. He changed the very idea of how poker was played and introduced a whole new world of possibilities and strategies.
For those who are interested in learning this variation, our beginner’s guide will help you set your cards straight!
Omaha Poker is preferred by players who are looking for a more challenging and adrenaline fueled poker experience. Omaha shares a lot of similarities with Texas Hold’em but there are subtle differences between the two as well.
Hole Cards: When playing Texas Hold’em, a player is usually dealt two hole cards but in a game of Omaha poker, a player is dealt four hole cards and this key difference means a player can make higher ranking poker hands easily.
Hand Strength: In Omaha poker, the idea of a strong hand is different from Hold’em. For example, getting two Aces pre-flop in Hold’em is considered to be a very strong hand but in Omaha, the community cards also have a lot of importance. Expert Omaha poker players always lookout for connectors and combinations that have the potential to create a high ranking Omaha poker hand.
Omaha Hi: In this version of Omaha, the player whose five-card combo makes the strongest ranking hand takes the pot.
Fixed Limit: A player has the option to raise the limit up to four times during the course of the game. The bet or raise has to be equal to the size of the blinds. Since folding is not a part of this version of Omaha, players can stay in the game without shouldering heavy costs.
Omaha Hi/Low: As the name implies, this version of Omaha poker has the highest hand and the lowest hand split the pot. It is possible for a player to have the highest possible hand and the lowest possible hand at the same time. In such cases, the player wins the entire pot.
If you’re interested in learning how to play Omaha poker, here’s what you need to know at a glance.
Now let’s have a look at the different stages the game unfolds in.
Pre-Flop: Each player receives 4 hole cards face down. The game then progresses based on each player’s perceived hand ranking and table position.
The Flop: This is the stage where the first three community cards are revealed to the players. This is known as the flop. Players then decide which action to take based on their hole cards and community cards.
The Turn: After players have placed their bets in the flop round, the dealer discards the top card of the deck and reveals the fourth community card.
The River: The dealer discards another card and showcases the final community card, the river. Players have to create the strongest possible hand using their hole cards and community cards.
Showdown: If, after the final round of betting, there are many players still in the game, a showdown occurs. Simply put, the player whose five-card combo of hole and community cards is ranked the highest wins the pot.
When playing Omaha poker, each player can take certain actions to influence the game and improve their chances of winning the pot. The three major actions are,
Calling: In Omaha poker, calling refers to matching the bet amount placed by another player. By calling, players can continue to stay in the game and observe the community cards that will be revealed in further rounds.
Raising: When playing a game of Omaha poker, a player may sometimes choose to raise the bet amount. This forces other players to match the amount and can also help thin the table.
The Flop: In Omaha poker, the flop is an important stage as the first three community cards are revealed and it gives players a chance to evaluate and reassess their strategy.
In Omaha poker, two to nine players can play together. The later the position, the greater the advantage. However, with a smaller player count, bets happen more frequently and the game moves at a faster pace.
A dealer distributes four hole cards to players. Only the player is allowed to see the cards. Next, the community cards are revealed and it is up to each player to make the best five-card combo using two hole cards and three community cards.
Every game of Omaha poker begins with two blinds, a big blind and a small blind. The game starts in a clockwise direction with the player next to the dealer starting with a small blind. After the small blind, the player sitting next to the person who played the small blind plays the big blind.
The three popular versions of Omaha poker are
The hand rankings in Omaha poker are:-
Royal Flush: A royal flush is an ace high straight flush.
Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in sequential order.
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same value but belonging to different suits.
Full House: A combination of three of a kind along with a pair.
Flush: Five cards of the same suit irrespective of their order.
Straight: Five cards of different suits but having a sequential order.
Three of a Kind: Three cards holding the same value but belonging to different suits.
Two Pair: Two pairs of two cards of the same value, the suit does not matter.
One Pair: Two cards having the same rank. Suit does not come into play here.
Playing Omaha poker is not so different from playing any game that involves strategy and skill. A good strategy in Omaha poker can bring you one step closer to winning the pot! Here are a few pointers to know to help formulate a winning strategy.
Pot Limit Omaha Rules (PLO Poker) | No Limit Omaha Poker Rules | Fixed Limit Omaha Poker Rules |
Bets and raises are fixed as per the pot limit poker rules. | A player can bet the amount of their choice. | Small blind and big blind decide the amount. |
Money won by a player with a single hand is limited. | There is no limit on winning money with a single hand. | Money a player can win with a single hand is limited. |
Players are encouraged to make smaller bets and be more strategic in their gameplay. | Players are encouraged to be risk takers and raise to improve the overall pot. | Players are encouraged to be cautious and favour a strategic approach. |
Omaha poker is an exciting and popular variant of traditional poker. Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of Omaha, it is time to test your skills! Download Pocket52 poker app and start playing the game for free.
No, Omaha poker is a popular variant of poker. In this version, players are given four hole cards as opposed to two received in Hold’em.
When playing Omaha poker, a good starting hand is one that has many connectors and a high potential. Pairs, suits etc at the start improve chances of winning.
Betting in Omaha is quite similar to Texas Hold’em. Players have the option of taking actions like Check, Raise, Bet and Fold. The game follows the typical poker order of pre-flop, flop, turn and river.
Yes, you can play Omaha online for real money. Make sure you play real money poker on a trusted and secure platform like Pocket52 for the best and most secure gaming experience.