Omaha is a traditional poker variation, yet the recent boom in Texas Holdem has caused many to abandon what was once the most popular game. Why not go back to old poker roots and learn this fun and competitive variation?!
Omaha is actually quite similar to Texas Holdem. The main difference between them is that in Omaha the board cannot be used on its own as a hand. In Europe, the high hand is usually the winner, where as in America, the High Low split is generally played. Whatever your fancy, the game goes as follows:
1. Omaha is played with blinds, so before the hole cards are dealt the small and big blinds are placed by the two players left-most of the dealer.
2. The dealer then deals hole 4 cards face down to each player.
3. The player to the left of the big blind must call it, raise it, or fold his/her hand. Betting continues around the table until it reaches the small blind.
4. In the “Flop” round, the dealer turns up 3 community cards in the center of the table. In Omaha, each player is required to build a 5 card hand using 2 of his/her hole cards and 3 of the community cards. This is the last round in which there are forced bets.
5. A round of betting follows.
6. In the “Turn”, a fourth community card is dealt face up on the table, and another round of betting takes place. Betting is now limited to the higher stake.
7. In the “River”, the final up-card is laid on the table by the dealer, and the remaining players must reveal their hands. The best hand according to standard hand rankings, wins the pot.