If you have been playing Texas Hold ’em, then learning to play Omaha poker, another poker variant, will be easier for you.
The game originated from a legendary poker player and billiard marketing expert, Robert Turner. In 1982, Turner introduced Omaha poker in Nevada, followed by California in 1986.
Poker players know that this poker type is a faster-paced Texas Hold ’em. It uses a 52-card French deck, with players dealt with four cards consisting of two-hole cards. They must find a way to use both, and pair said hand to community cards.
There are many variants of Omaha poker, namely:
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Omaha Pot Limit
- Omaha No-Limit
Earlier versions include Twice Three or Greek Hold ’em. Instead of four cards, players are dealt five, which limits the number of people.
With four cards, the Omaha can be played by up to 11 people. That is why it is the second-most popular poker variant present in brick-and-mortar casinos and even online ones. For the best online casinos, check our bet88 review to see if it is the perfect platform for your gambling needs.
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Hand Rankings and Omaha’s Betting Structures
The game is like Texas Hold ’em, but players are dealt four-hole cards instead of one. In addition, the first round of betting takes place before the flop is dealt with rather than after all players have seen it.
This means that this variation has both pre-flop and post-flop betting rounds in addition to the three rounds in Hold ’em.
The ” turn ” also occurs at the third betting round. It begins with the dealer putting another face-up community card, for a total of four community cards. Players have the option to continue or to fold.
The final community card will be placed in the “river” by the dealer. If a player strongly believes he has a stronger hand, they can raise the pot for a potentially bigger payout.
The betting will continue until the last player places their stakes before proceeding to the “showdown.”
All players who have not folded will show their hole cards in the showdown. The pot is then split among the players with the highest and lowest hands.
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The Hand Rankings
To win at Omaha, the following hands must be built:
Royal Flush
This is the strongest hand. A player must have an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten to build this hand. Bear in mind that the combination should have the same suit.
Straight Flush
To get this hand, a player must have five cards in sequence. They also have to be in the same suit.
Four-of-a-kind
Another card with a different suit should follow four similarly suited cards.
Full House
Three cards with the same rank are matched, followed by two differently suited-cards.
Flush
Five similarly suited cards that are not in order.
Straight
A straight occurs when five different suited cards are in order.
Three-of-a-kind
It will occur if there are three similarly ranked cards and two remaining cards that are different.
Two pair
Like the name, a player must have two cards of the same rank, another two same-valued cards, and a final card with a distinct rank.
One pair
There must be two cards of the same rank and three different cards.
High-card
The highest card will only be counted if a player cannot build the previous combinations.
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Advanced Strategies for Winning at Omaha Poker
This section will discuss some advanced strategies to win at Omaha Poker. These are:
Determine Your Odds Always
Your starting hands will determine the outcome of your betting. If, at the start, you were dealt with a lousy hand, tread carefully and determine if you have the chance to turn things around. If none, there is always the option to fold. Just make sure not to fold at the very last minute.
Choose Where to Sit
Assume that there will always be a better player than you. It is best to pick the tables where weaker players tend to sit to maximize your winnings. This is not cowardice, per se, but focusing on one goal: to win more money.
Never Call. Only Raise or Fold
The most successful Omaha players will never call. Instead, they would either raise or fold. When calling, it indicates that you are not confident with your cards. To avoid trouble, only raise or fold because folding will save you from wasting your time. Raising will encourage opponents to increase their stakes, resulting in a larger pot. A larger pot means fatter winnings for you.
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Be Critical of Large Raises and Bets
In Omaha Poker, it is uncommon to have players bluffing. Although poker is a game of expression and gestures, Omaha is different. Once an opponent immediately increases their bets or raises an incredible amount, asses the situation. Your opponent may have a stronger hand; folding is the most logical action if you believe it can beat yours.
Chase Drawing Hands that are Strong
Whenever your starting hand is not that great, there will be a chance you will get a straight or a flush once the drawing begins. There are also times that it may lead to a stronger hand. The logic is that if you are dealt with an awful starting hand, do not prematurely fold.
Aces Don’t Mean Much
In situations where you have a pair of different-suited aces during the pre-flop, do not get your hopes up. Unlike in Texas Hold ’em, you are playing with four hole cards. Hence, your chances of getting two pairs diminish.
Do Not Limp, If Unnecessary
A general rule of thumb among poker players: limping means you are weak. Although there are instances that it is just bluffing, it is also most likely that they will notice your tactic later on.
Study
If you want to be good at Omaha Poker, understanding the game and the possibilities of 16,432 combinations should be your priority. Memorize the strong hands in the game, like the top 30 cards of the same suite.
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Learn to Instigate
Whenever you have a strong hand, it is natural that you want to raise. But as a clever Omaha player, control yourself. If you prematurely raise, it will give out the information that you were dealt with strong cards. Hence, it will discourage opponents from contributing to the pot.
The perfect time to raise is when there is enough contribution to the pot. Learn to capitalize on a solid hand because it might not happen again for a while unless you are incredibly fortunate.
