Omaha Poker

Omaha Poker is played very similarly to Texas Holdem, and therefore many people use the same strategy for both games. While they are indeed alike, it is important to take advantage of the unique aspects of Omaha, which make game play not only smarter, but also more successful in the long term. The following will overview the best tips for Omaha strategy, which should bring you more success at the tables.

As in Texas Holdem, the most important decisions you will make will be based on your starting hand. Although you receive 4 cards and have a better chance at receiving something valuable, remember that so do all the other players, so you will have to be very selective.

The best starting hands in Omaha Poker have two high ranking pairs (best suited) and a good high draw (Ace to high flush). Respectable hands have: 4 double suited cards in a row that are higher than 6, a 6-7-8-9, a 10-J-Q-K, or one pair of Aces or Kings. Weaker hands can have low pairs, Ace with low suited cards, or any 2 cards to a straight. Starting hands that can most definitely be discarded include quads (including A-A-A-A) and trips (except for A-A-A with a high card suited). Basically, Omaha should be played aggressively with straight, flushes, and full houses.

Having 4 hole cards, most players will usually continue to see the flop. As a result, positional raises will not work, so don’t use them n a late position, for example. The most basic strategy at this point is to fold all hands that do not have a 2 pair or nuts, or something close to this such as a King high flush.

If you hit a straight or flush, you should bet strongly – do not give out free cards to other players.

Unlike Holdem, in Omaha poker, it is common to have the ultimate nuts after the River. If you do and you think you are ahead, bet strongly. If you don’t then check, yet you shouldn’t give your opponent a chance to draw out on you if you can help it - the probability of completing your flush after the River is over 20%.

Note: To calculate the probability of completing your hand with only 1 card remaining, simply multiply the number of outs of by 2. If you have 2 cards remaining, multiply the outs by 4.