Omaha Hold 'em Rules

Mastering the rules of Omaha is certainly not a very time-consuming task, especially for people already familiar with the game of Texas Hold 'em. Since the two games bear a very close resemblance, all a player is left to learn is the minor differences between the two poker games. For all online poker amateurs who are making their first steps in the world of poker, here goes a detailed explanation on how to play Omaha. The game is played in the same mode both at online and atraditional gaming destinations.

The pocket

There are four pocket cards each active player receives before the game of Omaha begins. These cards are personal and dealt facedown by the dealer. They are for only the player to see. At the end of the game all participating players will be required to create their potentially winning hands precisely out of two private cards (the pocket) and out of three community cards. As opposed to Texas Hold 'em, where players are not limited regarding the number and origin of cards in their winning hands, Omaha is much stricter.

The mandatory bets

The mandatory bets are called Blinds. The blinds are put by two players seated to the left of the dealer before the action begins. Much like in Hold 'em the blinds are placed before any cards are dealt. The Small Blind, posted by the player seated directly to the left of the dealer, is half the small stake (in fixed-limit games), and the Big Blind, posted by the player seated to the left of the Small Blind, is equal to the amount of the small stake. The purpose of these two mandatory bets is to fatten the jackpot.

The course of the game

After the two Blinds are placed, the dealer deals each active player four cards. As we've already mentioned before, these cards are private and not to be exposed to other players. The first game participant to make a move is the one seated to the left of the Big Blind. His three options of action are either call, raise or fold. A round of betting takes place. The betting action is complete only after all of the players made their move.

After the first betting round is over, the dealer places three exposed cards in the middle of the table. These are called Community Cards (just like in Hold 'em) and they are to be used by all players. The players make their bets. The first two rounds of betting use the low game stake for all bets and calls. In a $2/$4 game, for example, the lower stake amount equals $2.

The dealer places another community card next to the ones already dealt. A new round of betting kicks off and it, much like the next one, uses the high game stake amount (using our example: $4). The action is complete after all active players' bets are called. Finally, the dealer deals the fifth community card. This is the last card to be dealt face up. A round of betting commences.

Showdown time

At the showdown, all the remaining players reveal their hands in order to establish the winner. The player with the strongest hand of five cards lands the jackpot.