Omaha
(also known as Omaha holdem) is similar to Texas holdem, with a few crucial
differences that make it a more difficult game.
Omaha
(also known as Omaha holdem) is similar to Texas holdem, with a few crucial
differences that make it a more difficult game.
Beginners to the world of poker often choose holdem games to learn because they teach good poker skills without requiring too much in the way of complex card game strategy.
The biggest difference between Omaha and Texas holdem is that in Omaha you have four hole cards instead of two. Another big difference is that in Omaha you have to use two of your hole cards and three of the communal cards to form the best hand, unlike in Texas holdem where you can use just one (or none) of your hole cards.
If you're playing in a low-level Omaha game, know that most of your competition will play a loose and passive game that can easily be overcome. Almost everyone at low-level Omaha games will think that having two pair is a good enough hand to win--then they buy into the pot and end up handing you their cash hand over fist. This strategy won't work against better players at high stakes games, but is good to remember in all other games of Omaha holdem.
If you can have a little patience, you can last out pretty much every game of Omaha and rake in the easy money. If you are more patient than the other gamblers at your table, you can wait and play your biggest hands, fold weaker hands, and run an ABC poker strategy that's tough to beat, especially if your opponents are impatient hotheads. The best way to win at low-level Omaha games is to draw out weaker opponents with killer hole cards and take money from loose players.
In Omaha, remember that there's no such thing as a "good" pre-flop hand--a two pair hand of aces and kings is easy to beat with a straight or a flush, both common hands for patient Omaha players. Players who like to make huge bets pre-flop with good cards are vulnerable in Omaha. Take advantage of them by folding any hand that isn't building up to at least a straight or a flush.
The ideal situation in Omaha is to play good old ABC poker--put big money in after the flop on your best hands, especially if you're chasing a high straight draw. A pre-flop raise is a good way to scare away any loose passive players in low-level holdem games--but when you've got a really strong hand, you should instead slowly build up the pot on your opponents. This "draw-out" method works best if you've been playing a patient game the whole time, convincing your opponents to spend a lot of their chips. Once you've maximized the the pot, go for an all-in bet. Nine times out of ten, some weaker player will follow suit and try to call you out. If you're playing good ABC poker, you almost can't lose this way.
Omaha holdem is a little more complex than Texas holdem, but it still rewards basic ABC play, especially at lower level games against loose players.
Omaha Strategies Home
You can find more Omaha strategies here.