Most people who venture into Omaha poker are already familiar with the basics of Texas Hold ‘em and this is great because the two games are very similar in structure. However, there is one major difference between Omaha and Texas Hold ‘em. In Omaha each player is dealt four cards and is required to use exactly two of their “hole cards”, while in Hold ‘em each player is dealt two cards and may use none, one or both of their hole cards.

Omaha Poker 101

1. Each player is dealt four cards
2. There is a round of betting
3. Three cards are dealt face up in the center of the table and can be used by every player at the table. This is known as “the flop”
4. There is a round of betting
5. One card is dealt face up in the center of the table and can be used by every player at the table. This is known as “the turn”
6. There is a round of betting
7. One card is dealt face up in the center of the table and can be used by every player at the table. This is known as “the river”
8. There is a final round of betting
9. Players turn their cards over and make the best possible 5 card poker hand from from exactly two of their hole cards and 3 of the 5 community cards in the middle of the table. The best 5 card poker hand wins the hand.