We present to your attention a worthy alternative to Texas Hold’em – Omaha poker .

Omaha poker strategies

Mandatory attributes of the game:

  • Common cards;
  • Pocket cards (hole cards);
  • Blinds;
  • The dealer button.

The game consists of nine cards. Unlike Hold’em, where two hole cards are dealt, in Omaha, players are dealt four cards. For the final, two cards from the pocket cards are still selected, and three cards from the five common ones.

The increased number of cards makes the game difficult, but at the same time, it increases the chances of getting a strong hand.

The owner of the money on the table can change unpredictably throughout the game. Players stay at the table longer.

Although the discipline has become quite popular, Omaha poker strategies are not easy and require regular practice.

Bankroll management

Distribution of funds in reasonable steps.

A safety stock on your poker account, even in relatively stable games, will provide you with inner comfort. Keep more than 50 stacks (buy-ins) with you when you sit down at the table, because no one is safe from bankruptcy, and unnecessary excitement will distract from the game. For example, if there is a $ 5 buy-in game, keep $ 250 with you.

A short stack is not an option here, in order to achieve good returns, for a high pot you need a large stack. Cheap tables will be good for beginners, gradually moving up to higher limits. 8-9 players at the table will allow you to pay the blinds less often, carefully analyzing all the steps.

Starting hands

Novice players will have to work harder, choosing starting hands is the most difficult task in Omaha. It will be profitable to enter preflop trading if you manage to get one or two combinations of cards in the same suit, for example, TTKB will bring a cool start if TC and TV are in the same suit.

Preflop play

Unlike Hold’em in Omaha, hand equity is much lower preflop, but the difference between the players is insignificant. Follow these steps to find the right line:

  • Feel free to enter the auction with a limper
  • Pocket Aces in a 3-bet line will increase the odds of a Straight or Flush
  • Play exceptionally strong hands in multi-way pots
  • In heads-up play, stick to an aggressive strategy.

Choose your starting hand carefully, because the cards on the flop can change the whole outcome of events.

Postflop play

  • Learn to read your opponent, what combinations are possible with him, be critical of your hand
  • Semi-bluffing the pot will not get you, keep from raising if your draw is unfinished.
  • Don’t let your opponent see the community cards and evaluate your reaction to what you’ve received.
  • Remember about rare combinations (Straight Flush or Four of a kind), the frequency of their composition in Omaha is increased.
  • If you have a Flush and a Straight, do not delay the showdown, in the upcoming drawing you can lose money.
  • Check-raise reception. In order not to give out a strong hand, the opponent refrains from the bet, but if the opponent does this, the board with a strong combination asks for an even greater raise.

Practice on conditional chips is ineffectual. Your skills will increase on cheap single table tournaments and low stakes tables.