Rules of Omaha Poker

Omaha Poker is probably second in popularity in terms of poker games. It's very similar to Texas Holdem and only differs in terms of the number of hole cards that are dealt to players as part of the initial deal. The full name is actually Omaha Holdem as it is a variant of Holdem. The game still has five community cards (the shared cards) dealt, same as in Holdem - there's also the same number of betting rounds. Players however are dealt four hole cards.

The objective of the game is to use exactly 2 out of the four cards in your hand with any 3 on the board to make the best possible 5 card poker hand. In Hold'em you use your two hole cards and five on the board in any combination to make the best 5 card hand.

This is one of the key differences between Omaha and Texas Holdem - a player cannot use one card in his hand with four on the "board" and can't play the board. The game is a little more tricky to play, especially is you are used to playing Holdem. New players to this game often fall into the trap of playing too many hands (also a common trap on Hold'em). You need to be better prepared to fold marginal hands as more times than not you'll be behind. Due to the additional hole cards dealt, players have nine cards to choose from, and so stronger hands are made more frequently.

The typical game is illustrated below for you.

All players are dealt 4 Hole cards (pre flop) + Round of Betting

The Flop (3 community cards dealt) + Round of Betting

The Turn (4th community card) + Round of Betting

The River (5th community card) + Round of Betting

Showdown (Players show their cards)

In summary - the only real difference is the 4 hole cards that are dealt instead of two. You still have a flop, turn and river card - as in Holdem. Remember to make adjustments to your starting hand range - hand values are devalued due to more cards available to make a hand from.

Every online poker room worth it's salt features Omaha. Check out the best Omaha Holdem site or see which games are available and how rooms stack up against each game.