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 Omaha Poker
Overview
Number of Players: 2 to 10
Omaha Holdem Poker is similar to Texas Holdem Poker in using a three-card flop on the board, a fourth boardcard, and then a fifth boardcard. Each player is dealt four holecards (instead of two) at the start. In order to make a hand, a player must use precisely two holecards with three boardcards. The betting is the same as in texas hold'em. At the showdown, the entire four-card hand should be shown to receive the pot.
The best possible five card poker hand, using exactly two hole cards and three community cards, wins the pot.
The most common variation of Omaha Holdem Poker -- Limit Omaha HiLo Split, Omaha8, Omaha/8, Omaha High-Low, Omaha Split, Omaha Eight-or-Better. Omaha Poker is also played Limit High Only, Pot Limit High, and Pot Limit HiLo Split. While concepts here are sometimes applicable to the other variations, sometimes they are not.
Terminology
| Blind Bet |
This is a forced bet made "blind", that is, before you get your cards, to get the action going. The player to the dealer's left posts the Small Blind which is half of the lower-level bet. The player to his left then posts the Big Blind which is a full bet. |
| Pocket |
The four "hole" cards dealt to each player, face down. |
| Flop |
The first three communal cards. |
| Turn |
The fourth communal card dealt. |
| River |
The fifth (and final) communal card dealt. |
| Button/Buck/Puck |
A moving disc that determines the player in the dealing position for each hand. This player is the last one to act in the hand. The button moves from player to player in a clockwise direction after each hand is dealt. |
Starting a Game
The game is started with the two players to the left of the dealer posting a Big Blind and a Small Blind, the value being determined by the stakes of the game. Then the four pocket cards are dealt to each player. The betting begins with the player to the left of the Big Blind. Because the blinds are bets, not antes, players can not check in the first betting round; they must either fold, call or raise.
Second Round
After the first round is complete, three cards (the flop) are dealt face up on the table. These cards are common to all players. Betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer button and he/she may either check or bet.
Third Round
For the third round, a fourth communal card (called the turn) is dealt, and another round of betting
Fourth Round
A final communal card is dealt, called the river, and is followed by another round of betting.
Players then make the best high hands possible using two of their four pocket cards and three of the board, or cards This is important for newcomers to the game to remember: hands must consist of two pocket cards and three communal cards.
Tips
- High pairs and high suited connectors in the pocket are the best starting hands.
- In a game with a lot of players, say 8 to 10, it is very common for someone to have the best possible hand at the showdown. If you have a good hand, but not the best possible hand, be careful.
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