Omaha Poker versusTexas Hold 'em:
What Does Somewhere in Nebraska have to do with Poker?

by Jordan Jones

September 8, 2009

Omaha poker is a type of poker similar to its older, more widely known brother, Texas Hold 'em. Although a very similar game, one would not go about strategizing in the same way. Like in Texas Hold 'em poker, a player is dealt hole cards. In Texas Hold 'em a player is given two hole cards; however, in Omaha a player is dealt four. This is the primary, but not the only difference. In Texas Hold 'em poker, a player can make the best five card poker hand by utilizing the choice cards between the ones on the board and the hole cards. This differs in Omaha. Although the player’s goal is still to make the best hand, one must use two hole cards and three community cards. Exactly two hole cards and three community cards; this minute difference in itself has been known to drive even the best Texas Hold 'em players mad. The term Omaha usually refers to Omaha High - the most popular form of the game. Omaha Hi-Lo and Omaha Pot-limit are other common variations of the game as well.

So just being dealt an extra two cards plus the whole “you have to use two of your pocket cards” thing doesn’t make that much of a difference, or does it? Imagine sitting at a Texas Hold 'em table, once the river card is revealed, two pair is now present on the board. ”How high is my kicker?”… “Does someone have a full house perhaps?” These might be the most common thoughts running through a player’s mind. Not so in Omaha. Since in this variation, a player must use two of their pocket cards, the two pair on the board is viewed differently. Who has three of a kind? Might someone have a pocket pair higher than those on the board - hence how relevant are the board pairs in actuality?

The added two extra cards should leave your mind practically racing. Opponents are given more opportunities to connect with the board, but then again, so are you. This may make flush and straight draws more appealing. Always remember, you may only/must use two hole cards. Staring at four pocket clubs may make that flush draw more appealing, watch out. Since there are so many opportunities to connect with the board, this leaves many players placing weak bets pre-flop in hopes of having something better to work with post-flop. Treat a good starting hand as you would in Texas Hold 'em, be bold when needed - an opponent might pair something but so may you. Another misconception about Omaha is that playing more hands is wise. As mentioned before, you the player have two extra cards - as well as everyone else. The playing field is just as fair, do not play more or less aggressively as you would in any Texas Hold Em’ game, just differently.

When contrasting Omaha and Texas Hold 'em, picture a set of scales. With Texas Hold 'em the scales are balanced, although with Omaha more weight is added yet the scales still remain balanced. The most common flaw in strategy is players believing they are either underprivileged or somewhere near invincible – both of which are equally risky.

Author Copyright © Jordan Jones
Website Copyright © 2004 - 2010
G4U
- All Rights Reserved -