Omaha Poker is a thrilling and action-packed variant of Texas Hold’em. While it shares Master Poker Malaysia some similarities with Hold’em, it introduces unique rules and strategies that make it more dynamic—and often more challenging. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned Texas Hold’em player looking to expand your skills, this guide will walk you through the essential rules and winning strategies for Omaha Poker.
What Is Omaha Poker?
Omaha Poker is a community card game where each player receives four private cards (hole cards) and must use exactly two of them, combined with exactly three of the five community cards, to make the best five-card hand.
The most popular variant is Omaha Hi, but there’s also Omaha Hi-Lo, which splits the pot between the highest and lowest qualifying hands. This guide focuses primarily on Omaha Hi.
Basic Rules of Omaha Poker
1. The Deal
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Each player is dealt four hole cards face down.
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Five community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table in three stages: the flop (3 cards), the turn (1 card), and the river (1 card).
2. Using Your Cards
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You must use exactly two of your hole cards and exactly three community cards to form your five-card hand.
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You cannot use only one or all four of your hole cards.
3. Betting Rounds
Like Texas Hold’em, Omaha has four betting rounds:
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Pre-flop – After players receive their hole cards.
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Flop – After the first three community cards are dealt.
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Turn – After the fourth community card is dealt.
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River – After the fifth and final community card is dealt.
4. Winning the Pot
The player with the best five-card poker hand at showdown wins the pot, unless all other players fold before that.
Hand Rankings in Omaha
Hand rankings in Omaha are the same as in Texas Hold’em:
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Royal Flush
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Straight Flush
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Four of a Kind
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Full House
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Flush
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Straight
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Three of a Kind
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Two Pair
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One Pair
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High Card
Remember: you must use exactly 2 hole cards + 3 community cards to make these combinations.