Omaha is one of the most popular poker variations in the world. To play and win at this game, take a look at the best Omaha poker strategies. We have collected tips and tricks that work for both beginners and experienced poker players.
Among all poker variations, one named Omaha stands out. This is usually the next game after Hold’Em players choose after discovering the world of poker. The basics of Omaha are pretty much the same as in other poker games but with their own peculiarities. Let’s see what Omaha poker strategies can help you win at this game and what are the rules in the first place.
How to play Omaha poker: rules and types
At most online poker sites, players can find two major types of Omaha poker. They are Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and Omaha Hi-Lo. However, it is Pot-Limit Omaha that is considered the second most popular poker game in the world. Therefore, we will go through the most important Omaha rules based on PLO.
Playing Omaha poker is not difficult as it has many rules in common with Hold’Em. To play it, you need a deck of 52 cards and from two to ten players. Players place their bets (big blinds and small blinds) before the start of the game. Then, the dealer draws each player four cards face down. It marks the beginning of the first betting round.
During the first betting round, all players can make one of the following moves:
- Call. Call means placing a bet of the same size as the Big Blind or the highest bet (in the case it has been already increased by another player)
- Raise. To raise means to increase the amount of the next bet for all players who want to stay in the game.
- Fold. If you fold, you leave the hand and don’t participate in this game anymore.
After the first betting round, the dealer places three cards face-up on the table. Players can use them to make the best hand possible. In Omaha, players need to use at least two of 4 hole cards for making their hands. This is how this variation of poker differs from Hold’Em.
Then, the next betting round begins under the same conditions. As soon as it is finished, the dealer places the fourth card on the table. The final betting round starts before the dealer reveals the last fifth community card. In the end, there is a showdown stage when all players reveal their hands. The best hand wins and the player takes the prize.
Omaha poker strategies, tips, and tricks
After learning how to play Omaha, a logical question arises: how to win at Omaha? Are there any tips and tricks that can help players to beat their opponents like in Hold’Em? The answer is yes. Below, you will find some of the most important Omaha poker strategies that may come in handy regardless of your previous poker experience.
Try not to call. In Pot-Limit Omaha, your best options are to raise or fold. If you call, it will show to the other players that your hand is far from the best and you can be beaten. However, raising can help you in the case of having a good hand. If your hand is quite poor, it is better to fold to avoid further expenses on bets.
Pay attention to big raises. Unlike other poker variations, Omaha players try not to bluff. Therefore, the player who raises is highly likely to be confident about his hand. Keep it in mind before making the final decision during any betting round.
Use poker bonuses. While two previous tips are useful mostly for live casino players, online poker players should follow other rules. To avoid big losses, use the best online poker bonuses. They allow you to place some bets with bonus cash and save you from big losses in the case of misfortune.
Don’t chase the Aces. Aces are one of the most useless cards in Omaha poker. For example, if all you have are a pair of aces and two non-matching cards, there’s little you can do to improve your hand.
Mind the blockers. Blockers are cards in your hand that make it impossible for other players to finalize their hands. You can recognize them by looking at the community cards on the table. This knowledge will give you additional power to calculate which hands your opponents can never make.
