Omaha Poker Rules

Here's how the Omaha poker rules work. Omaha Poker is played by between 2 and 10 players at a time. Omaha Poker is a game played with 9 cards. Each player is dealt four "pocket" cards, or private cards, and all players share five "community" cards, or shared cards in the middle of the table. The goal of the game is to create the best five-card combination from the nine cards, and the strongest poker combination wins the pot. Typical poker hand rankings apply. Keep in mind, though, that because the 9 cards are comprised of 4 pocket cards and 5 community cards, the resulting combinations are stronger than those in other poker games. That is, you've got to have a good hand or a good bluff to win. Also, it's critical to remember the following rule: Winning hands must consist of two pocket cards and three community cards. That's the most crucial aspect of Omaha Poker Rules. Here's how the game flows.

1. The Players to the left of the Dealer begin the game by posting blind bets. The Player on the Dealer's left posts a small blind bet, and the Player on the Small Blind's left posts a big blind bet.
2. Four pocket cards are dealt to each Player.
3. In the first round, the Player to the Big Blind's left plays first and can either:
   • Fold
   • Bet
   • Raise
   Note: In the first round betting is capped at one bet and three raises per Player.
4. In the second round, three community cards are dealt. This is called the Flop. A round of betting follows and Players can either:
   • Check
   • Fold
   • Call
   • Raise
5. In the third round, a fourth community card is dealt. This is called the Turn. Another round of betting follows.
6. In the fourth round a fifth and final community card is dealt. This is called the River Card. The final round of betting follows. The remaining Players then use two of their pocket cards and three of the community cards to create the best five-card high hand possible.

Point to Remember: Winning hands must consist of two pocket cards and three community cards.

Now that you know Omaha poker rules, click on any of these great online poker rooms to get started.