Omaha Poker

Omaha poker is very similar to Texas Hold-em in that community cards are dealt for all players. However, inn Omaha Poker, four pocket cards are dealt. A popular variation of omaha poker is omaha hi-lo

How Omaha is played

The game requires players to 'buy in' chips when they join a table. The 'buy-in' is normally ten times the lowest bet limit. For example, on a £1/£2 table, the 'buy-in' would be £10. However, in some games, the buy-in can be 20 times or more. As with Texas Hold'em, Omaha requires players to post a small blind and big blind to begin a game.

Each player receives four cards from the dealer. Five cards, known as the 'community cards' are laid face-up on the table during which a series of betting rounds occur. The winner is the player who can put together the best five-card hand from two of their pocket cards and three community cards according to standard poker hand rankings.

The play begins once the blinds have been posted. Each player is dealt four cards, known as 'pocket cards' and the first round of betting commences. Players can check, raise or fold in turn going clockwise round the table.

Three community cards are then dealt in the centre of the table. These are known as the 'flop' and a second round of betting takes place.

The fourth card, or the 'turn' is dealt next into the centre and the third round of betting follows. Finally, the fifth card known as the 'river' is dealt and the final round of betting takes place.

When all betting is completed, if there is more than one player remaining in the game, there will be a 'showdown' in which all players will show their hands. The player with the best five cards formed from two of their pocket cards and three community cards wins the pot. For example, if the player holds four kings, only two of those can be used as a winning hand, along with three community cards. If more than one player holds a winning hand, the pot is shared. Most poker rooms offer one bet per round with three raises in which the final raise is capped.