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From Holdem To Omaha: Key Points

Probably the biggest misconception about Omaha High is that it is a closely related game to Texas Holdem, so it should be played the same way. In reality, Omaha High requires a much different type of strategy and playing style when compared with Texas Holdem. In this article I will go over why and what is different from Omaha High and texas holdem, and introduce some of the basics new players should use when playing Omaha High in general. While this article focuses on strategies for beginners, I would recommend this reading to any level of Omaha player, as the tips here should always be kept in mind while playing.

Firstly, the basics of Omaha are similar to Texas Holdem, with one large exception. The community cards dealt and used the same way, with three cards shown for the flop, one turn card, and one river card. Turn are also dealt in the same way, with player betting before the flop, after the flop, after the turn, and finally after the river card. The main difference is the hole cards that are dealt to each player and how they are used. Four cards are given to each player Omaha instead of two, but each player can only use two at a time, and each player must use two cards from their hand. With these differences in mind, I will continue to go over some key strategies player should keep in mind when playing Omaha.


Starting Hands
Starting hands in Omaha should be analyzed differently, as different cards can be much better. For example, in Texas Holdem pocket aces would be considered on of the best hands possible. In Omaha if you were dealt pocket aces and then two differently suited non-connectors, you would be in a tight situation. Your draws would be for another ace, and the chances of a 3 of a kind winning in Omaha are much less when compared to Holdem. Good starting hands are ones that contain two suites (for two flush draws), with at least one high card of each suit. Suited connecters and two pairs also give lots of outs, and are considered some of the best hands in the game. Three of a kind starting hands are considered bad, as they give you a pair and you cannot use the third card as part of your hand, as well as four of a kinds.


Calculating Odds
Odds are drastically changed from Holdem to Omaha. Each new card that is turned up in the community can potentially lead towards twice as many possibilities in your hand. Oftentimes Omaha players will begin with one best hand and end the game with another, which is why it's important to keep track of odds. As each card new card is turned in the community, a player should asses how they could affect not only their potential hands, but others potential hands. For example, say you have the following: 8h, 9d, 10h, 10d. The flop comes up 7, A, J. Now you have multiple things to consider and worry about. Your straight potential comes from both ends, you can draw for the 7-J straight using a couple combinations with your hand. As well, with an Ace and Jack dealt you have to worry about other players straight draws and full houses. This is just one example out of many more that can come up, and should give a good idea of the differences from Holdem and Omaha.


Pulling for Draws
Right from the first round of play in Omaha, the players must make decisions all based on odds. Draws are a large part of Omaha, as there are usually many more potential hands for each player. Track draws at all times and gain some reasonable odds. While I won't go into great detail here as to what you should look for in draws, there are a couple points you should keep in mind. Always watch for the nut draw, such as the highest straight or flush. Oftentimes players will be excited by hitting their draws, only to lose to another player who drew it higher. Full houses are especially dangerous in Omaha, and players who do not keep an eye on the strength of their full house will lose to others who have hit a better three of a kind, or have the greater pocket pair that completes their full house.


The Experienced Player vs. the New Player
The final points I want to go over is the danger of playing as a beginner, and against beginners in Omaha. While experienced players can always create edges and outplay new players, in Omaha new players are often drawn in by the potentials of their hand. This can end either way, with the experienced player being beaten by the sheer fact that the new player hit their hand, or with the beginning player losing. Playing with players of your own skill level is usually best, as you can use strategies effectively. When dealing with a beginning player, always play then carefully and personally, looking for tells and bluffs more than playing their theoretical hand.


As you can see I briefly outlined the main differences to be aware of when transitioning from Holdem to Omaha, or vice versa. Keeping these easy points in mind while playing has helped me tremendously, and I hope that it will help other beginning and intermediate players gain a better foothold in Omaha High.


Resources
Play Omaha Poker Online
Omaha Poker Strategy