How to Develop a Winning Omaha Strategy

Omaha is quickly gaining popularity among online gamblers, whether they're familiar with other types of poker or new to all of the different variants. Individuals who have experience playing Texas Hold'Em should have no trouble learning the basics, but anyone can develop a good Omaha strategy with a little practice.

Different Options

As with most online table games, there are several different stakes levels to choose from. Pot Limit (PLO) is the most popular version, but is usually dominated by experienced players. Wagering amounts can reach the level of the pot, making it quite risky for beginners. Low-limit tables minimize losses and are usually less competitive. Many of these players want to practice poker strategies before moving to higher stakes offerings. This is usually the best place for newcomers.

Similarities to Hold'Em

Omaha and Hold'Em are very similar, particularly their betting options and the basics of play. The main difference in the two is the number of hole cards that are dealt. Instead of receiving 2 face down cards, you'll get 4 in this version of the game. This makes it a bit more difficult to determine a good starting hand. Things become a little more challenging when you create your winning hand. You must use 2 of your hole cards, along with 3 cards from the board, while there are no restrictions in a game of Hold'Em.

Omaha Strategy Tips

As with any poker strategy, winning this variation takes time, effort, and plenty of practice. If you're not already familiar with Hold'Em, you will need to learn more about the betting procedures and the rules of the game. Because this variation uses twice as many hole cards, it isn't as easy to evaluate the quality of your starting hand, but this skill will improve the more you play. The most important thing is to know when to fold so you can minimize your losses, especially when you're up against a full table of opponents.

Knowing When to Fold

In Hold'Em, a high pair starting hand is usually enough to keep you in the game. In this version, it is much less likely to win when all you're holding is a pair of queens, but there's still a chance of making a full house or even gaining two high pairs after the flop. As mentioned earlier, it will take time to learn which starting hands are worth it, but you should have more confidence in your hand potential after the draw. Bluffing is rarely a worthwhile strategy in this variation, so when things are looking down, go ahead and fold.

Keep Practicing

Whether you're a new poker player or just looking for a new challenge, it shouldn't take you long to develop a winning Omaha strategy that will help you increase your profits at your favorite online poker rooms. Keep practicing with low limit games and you'll be ready to move to higher stakes in no time.