How to Play Omaha Poker

Omaha Poker (also called Omaha High or Omaha Hold Em) ) is similar to Texas Holdem in that there are 4 betting rounds, the initial cards are dealt face down to each player (hole cards) followed by 5 community cards are dealt face-up after the first betting round. Unlike Texas Hold Em, in Omaha you get 4 hole cards (instead of 2) and must use at least two of your hole cards to make your best hand.

Playing Omaha (High) Poker:

1. Before any cards are dealt, the player to the left of the button (dealer) posts the small blind (1/2 the lower bet amount) and the player two seats to the left of the button posts the big blind (the lower bet amount). In a $2-$4 game, the small blind posts $1 and the big blind posts $2.
2. Four cards ("hole cards") are dealt face-down to each player.
3. The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind and proceeds clockwise. Bets and raises are the lower bet amount or multiples thereof.
4. The flop - the dealer deals 3 cards ("community cards" ) face up in the middle of the table.
5. The second betting round begins with the player to the left of the button (dealer) and proceeds clockwise. Bets are the lower amount or multiples of that amount.
6. The turn - A 4th card is dealt face-up in the middle of the table.
7. The third betting round begins, again with the player to the left of the button. Bets and raises are now the higher amount or multiples thereof. In a $2-$4 game, bets are $4.
8. The river - A fifth and final card is dealt face-up in the middle of the table.
9. The final betting round begins with the player nearest to the left of the button and goes around the table clockwise. As on the third betting round, bets are now the higher amount.
10. The showdown - the remaining players show their cards. The player with the highest five-card hand using at least 2 of their hole cards and the 5 community cards is the winner.

A popular variation of Omaha Poker is Omaha High-Low.