In Omaha, the goal is to build the highest-value combination with the help of exactly 2 hole cards and 3 community cards. No exceptions and other options. Below, we give a short explanation of basic principles of this game. Although there may be several variations of Omaha poker, the main rules never change.
Game variations
As it has been mentioned, there exist different kinds of Omaha poker. Mostly, the type of game varies because of the pot limit. Pot Limit and No Limit games are colloquially named after the sum of the blinds. It’s pretty logical and simple: if a small blind is $2 and a big blind is $4, the name would be $2/$4 Omaha game. The blinds are compulsory donations to the pot, given by two gamblers. The third gambler (the next in a row) begins with any action upon his choice. When it comes to Fixed Limit games, the ratio of 2 blinds may differ. It depends on the stakes. For instance, in a $2/$4 Limit game, big blind would equal the small bet ($2) and a small blind, consequently, would be the half of this amount (i.e. $1). However, in a $15/$30 Limit game, the big donation equals $15, when the small one is $10.After these compulsory donations, each gambler is given 4 private cards. The first round of begins.The Pre-Flop
After looking at their private cards, gamblers choose their strategy for the initial stage. The round begins with further betting (this time voluntarily) – it’s the turn of the person sitting on the left side of the big blind. His options are: to call, to raise by adding a bigger sum into the pot, or to fold. Then, the turn goes to the next person in a clockwise fashion. The round keeps going until each player contributes the equal amount of the bet. Let’s see how it works: all gamblers have to put the same sum in the pot (call) or more (if they prefer to raise). In this case, the others have to do the same (match the sum of the raise) in order to stay in the game.The Flop
At the end of the initial stage, 3 community cards are revealed. They available for every active gambler (those who haven’t folded during the previous round). Again, everyone evaluates his chances and build a new strategy. A new round begins.The Turn
The end of the previuos stage marks the dealing of one more community card. It’s time to think of the possibilities to win by judging the combinations of private and common cards. The next round begins – players can choose the very same betting options.The River
Traditionally, the end of betting marks the reveal of the final card. Now, all mutual cards are seen. Gamblers must evaluate their chances of creating the strongest hand and defeating their opponents. This round also implies performing one of the actions (according to the chosen strategy).The Showdown
The situation when there are more than 1 activate gambler left at the end of the final round is known as “showdown”. Gamblers begin opening their hole cards in turn. All combinations are being compared, and the person with the strongest hand is declared a winner.Note that in Omaha game, combination can be created from any 2 hole cards (which the gamblers have since the beginning) and any 3 of the community cards. No other options are acceptable. Sometimes, it happens that two people may build the exact same combinations. If such a thing occurs, the prize will be equally divided between them.
As soon as someone gets the prize, the game begins again.