There’s more to the poker world than Texas Hold’em! Get ready to spice up your poker nights with the thrilling game of Omaha poker. In this engaging variation, you’re dealt not one, not two, but FOUR hole cards. That’s right — you get double the action compared to Texas Hold’em. But here’s the catch — you must use exactly two of your hole cards, in addition to three community cards, to create the ultimate winning hand. The strategic possibilities are endless, making Omaha Poker a game of thrilling twists and turns.

Read on for a rundown of the rules and some tips for crafting your Omaha poker strategy. Along with giving you a few aces to slot up your sleeve, this article also highlights the most common blunders to avoid.

How To Play Omaha Poker

It’s easy to get the hang of Omaha poker if you already have a basic knowledge of how to play Texas Hold’em poker. Here’s a quick summary of how to play:

• You’re dealt four hole cards.
• The first betting round commences. 
• The dealer places three community cards on the table.
• All remaining players place their next round of bets. 
• The dealer places another community card on the table.
• Another betting round begins. 
• The dealer places the final community card on the table.
• The final betting round begins. 
• The remaining players must turn all their hole cards over and use two of these cards combined with any three of the community cards to build a winning hand. 

Omaha Poker Strategy Tips

Play Your Starting Hands Wisely

One of the most crucial aspects of this poker variant is selecting the right starting hands. With four hole cards at your disposal, it’s tempting to play every hand like a daredevil. But try to exercise restraint and focus on quality over quantity. Look for strong pairs, connected cards and suited combinations. This will give you a better chance of forming stronger Omaha poker hands as the community cards are revealed.

Assess the Flop With Caution

Once the first three community cards (the flop) are revealed, it’s time to re-evaluate your hand’s potential. Remember, you must use two of your hole cards, so take a moment to analyze how the flop interacts with your starting hand. Pay attention to possible straight draws, flush opportunities and any potential threats from other players. Make calculated decisions based on the strength of your hand in relation to the community cards.

Be Mindful of the Nuts

In Omaha poker, the ‘nuts’ refers to the best possible hand at any given moment. Keep a sharp eye on the board and consider the potential nuts when making your decisions. If the community cards create a board where the nuts could be a straight, flush or full house, ensure that you have a strong hand to compete or, ideally, hold the nuts yourself. Being aware of the nuts will help you navigate the game strategically and maximize your chances of winning.

Manage Your Bankroll

No matter how top-notch your poker skills are, bankroll management is key to long-term success (and avoiding developing any problem gambling behaviors.) Set a budget for your poker sessions and stick to it. Avoid the temptation to chase losses or bet more than you can afford. Remember, poker is a game of skill and patience, so the ups and downs are all part of the excitement. By managing your bankroll wisely, you’ll be able to play with a clear mind and make rational decisions.

Beginner? Common Omaha Poker Mistakes To Avoid

Now that you know some essential Omaha poker strategy tips, here are a few common mistakes that beginners often make when playing this poker variant. Be sure to steer clear of the following pitfalls.

Overvaluing Weak Hands

You’ll have four hole cards in your grasp, making it easy to get carried away and overestimate the strength of your hand. Avoid falling into the trap of playing weak starting hands that have little potential to improve. Stick to hands with strong combinations and play aggressively when you have the advantage.

Neglecting Hand Reading

Hand reading is a crucial skill in Omaha poker. It’s not just your hand that counts, after all. So, pay attention to the community cards, analyze your opponents’ betting patterns and make educated guesses about the strength of their cards (and the combos they could create.) This information will guide your decisions and give you an edge at the table.

Playing Too Passively

This poker variant favors players who aren’t afraid to play boldly and with assertiveness. Taking a passive approach will cost you valuable chips and missed opportunities. Go for it whenever you can make well-timed bluffs, apply pressure on your opponents or seize control of the game (if the odds are in your favor.)

Play Poker Online at BetMGM

You’re now armed with valuable know-how to take your Omaha poker skills up a notch. Put your classic or Pot Limit Omaha strategy to the test online with BetMGM. Choose from various poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, PLO poker and many other casino table games and live dealer casino games. You also have the chance to play exciting poker tournaments and the internet’s best online slots.

Register when you’re ready to join in on the fun.