Although it isn't as well known as it's cousin Texas Hold 'em, Omaha poker is quickly gaining fans. There are a couple of reasons for this; one is that it's easy to learn, and the other is because there are so many cards in the hand, you will likely find a playable hand almost every time.
Rules of Omaha
It's very easy to get into the game. Each player is dealt 4 cards face down. There is a round of betting and then 3 community cards are dealt to the center of the board. There is another round of betting and then the turn is dealt. More betting, then the river card is dealt. There is one more round of betting and then anyone left in the hand shows their cards. The best 5 card poker hand wins.
Making a hand in Omaha
The difference between Omaha and Hold 'Em is primarily in how you make a hand. You need to use 2 cards from your dealt cards and 3 cards from the community cards. The hands are still the same, as well as the value. Royal flush is still the top hand, there is just a greater chance of seeing it in Omaha.
Omaha Strategy
Starting hands for Omaha are similar to Hold 'Em with the exception of playing straights and flushes. Because you have more cards to use as your hole cards you have a greater chance of hitting your hand. The thing that you need to remember though is that other players may have better hands as well. For example if you have two aces in your hole cards and the flop comes up ace king king, you have a great full house, almost unbeatable. However in Omaha, it's possible for someone to be holding two king's.
When betting the same rules apply, as they do in Texas Hold 'Em. It's interesting to note that most professional online players prefer Omaha, becuase the pot's are bigger and player's can be more confident in their hand.
Hi/Lo
In Hi/Lo or as it is sometimes known 8 or better Hi/Lo you can also win the hand if you have a low hand that qualifies. All of the cards need to be lower than 8 and unpaired and the best possible low hand is Ace2345. High hand is still the same as regular poker.
It seems complex at first but Omaha is quickly becoming the poker game of the future, online and in the casino.
Enjoy the game and make sure you don't fold to pocket two's.
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