How to play Omaha poker? A beginner's guide

For poker enthusiasts, understanding Omaha poker is essential for advancing to mixed games and engaging in one of the world's most popular poker variants. In this guide, we'll cover how to play Omaha poker, delve into strategy tips, and explore the rules of Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), the predominant form of Omaha poker.

What is Omaha poker?

Omaha poker involves receiving four cards and follows standard Texas Hold'em rules. However, in the prevalent variant, Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), betting is restricted to the size of the pot plus the amount needed for a call—hence the term "Pot-Limit." PLO is commonly available in online casinos, while other less common versions include No-Limit Omaha (NLO) and Fixed-Limit Omaha (FLO). PLO rules specify that players can only use two of their four cards to form the strongest hand. In PLO8 (Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better), players can utilize any two cards for the best high hand and any other two for the best low hand, if applicable.

Omaha vs Texas Hold’em

Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and Texas Hold'em are both community card games where players utilize shared cards to create winning hands with their hole cards.

The primary distinction lies in the number of cards dealt: Omaha grants each player four hole cards, while Texas Hold'em offers only two.

Another notable contrast is in betting rules: PLO restricts bets to the size of the pot plus the call amount, whereas no-limit Hold'em allows unrestricted betting.

Additionally, PLO necessitates using precisely two hole cards and three community cards to form the best five-card hand, while Hold'em allows for the use of one or both hole cards along with community cards, or even none at all in certain situations, like a straight formed entirely by community cards.

How to play Omaha poker?

Now that you grasp the fundamental principles of Omaha poker, let's delve into its rules, betting procedures, and hand rankings.

Omaha poker rules

In this overview, we'll focus on Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) rules for cash games, which closely mirror those of Hold'em with some nuances.

• Players are dealt four cards individually, starting with the small blind in a clockwise rotation.
• Subsequently, the game proceeds through four betting rounds, akin to Texas Hold’em.
• Players act preflop, followed by the dealing of three community cards.
• Another round of betting occurs before the fourth community card (the turn) is revealed.
• After the third betting round, the fifth and final community card (the river) is unveiled.
• A final betting round ensues, after which players reveal their cards. Typically, only the presumed winner displays their hand, while others may verbally announce their holdings.

Players can fold, call, or raise, similar to Hold’em, but betting is limited to the size of the pot plus the call amount.

For instance, in a $1/$2 cash game, the player under the gun may raise up to $5 ($3 pot + $2 to call), with subsequent raises capped at increments of the pot size plus the call amount.

How to wager in Omaha poker?

The betting rules are relatively straightforward but involve some calculation to determine the maximum allowable bet in PLO poker.

These guidelines apply to every betting opportunity, regardless of the stage of the hand.

While you have the liberty to call and raise as desired, there's a limit on the maximum raise amount. It equals the sum in the pot plus the amount that would be required for a hypothetical call.

For instance, in a game with blinds of 100/200 and facing a call and a raise to 700, the maximum raise permissible is 1,900 (100+200+200+700+700).

Pots escalate swiftly, making it easy to go all in for 50 big blinds, unlike Texas Hold’em, where such scenarios typically necessitate two strong hands colliding.

Omaha poker hands

PLO rules stipulate that poker hand rankings align with those of the majority of card games.

Tips and strategies for Omaha

Certainly, mastering your Omaha poker strategy requires dedicated study and extensive gameplay.

Fortunately, as someone deeply immersed in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), I'll share my personal tips on PLO strategy to accelerate your learning curve.

Preflop hand selection holds utmost importance

Avoid playing random four-card combinations in hopes of luck. Instead, focus on hands that are connected and suited or double-suited, increasing your chances of forming strong hands in later rounds.

Avoid becoming overly attached to lone high pairs

Unlike in Texas Hold’em, having pocket kings doesn't guarantee strength. For instance, a hand like K♣ K♦ 9♠ 4♥ lacks potential unless the king hits. Hands with queens or jacks are typically folded quickly before the flop. Prioritize connected hands over high pairs.

Rundowns are super strong

Starting hands such as J-T-9-8 double-suited carry significant strength. In fact, this hand ranks as the eighth-best starting hand, surpassing others like K-K-Q-Q double-suited, K-Q-J-T double-suited, and A-K-Q-Q double-suited due to its numerous straight and flush draw opportunities.

Be aggressive

Preflop calling, particularly from an early position, can expose you to disadvantageous situations as it allows other players to raise and escalate the action. If your hand doesn't warrant a raise, it's better to fold rather than risking unnecessary involvement. Avoid calling solely to view the flop.

Position is key