Omaha rules are surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly, since sometimes Omaha is also referred to as 'Omaha Hold 'em') similar to the the rules of Texas Hold 'em. A player who is already familiar with Texas Hold 'em rules and strategies will have no problem figuring out how to play Omaha. It is even safe to say that the two games are almost identical with few minor but challenging differences. For the sake of poker beginners, however, here goes a detailed explanation on how Omaha is played in traditional and online poker destinations. Remember, the longer you practice your gaming skills, the better you become!

Hole Cards

As we have already stated, Omaha and Texas Hold 'em are played almost the same. Nevertheless, instead of two hole cards (as in Hold 'em), in Omaha, players receive four private cards placed face down (aka: the pocket). And, Omaha requires that, at the showdown, players create their potentially winning hands from only two hole cards and only three community cards. This Omaha final hand rule makes it easier for players to make a better hand since they get to choose from nine cards instead of seven. This is a major must!

Blinds

The blinds are forced bets placed by two players seated to the immediate left of the dealer at the beginning of each hand. Exactly as in Texas Hold 'em, the Blinds are posted before any cards are dealt. The Small Blind, placed by the player who sits directly to the left of the dealer, is 50% the small stake (in fixed-limit games), and the Big Blind, placed by the player who sits directly to the left of the Small Blind, is 100% the small stake. The Blinds are used as an incentive for players to sweeten the pot.

Gameplay

Perflop: After the Blinds are posted, each participating player receives four cards face down to his pocket. The first player to act is the one seated to the immediate left to the Big Blind. He can either call, raise or fold as he wishes. A betting round is held. In fixed limit games, the first two betting rounds use the lower game stake for all raises.

The Flop: The dealer deals three cards to the middle of the table face up. These are known as 'the Flop." The players make their bets. This betting round still uses the low game stake for all raises and bets. For instance, in a $3/$6 game, the lower stake amount is, of course, $3.

The Turn: The dealer deals the fourth community card face up. A new betting round begins and it uses the high game stake amount. The betting action takes place until all players' bets are called.

The River: The dealer finally deals the fifth and the last community card face up. The last betting round takes place. This betting round also uses the high game stake amount for all bets and raises.

The Showdown: After the bets are called, all players must reveal their hands to determine the winner. The strongest five-card hand nabs the coveted pot. (The hand rankings are the same as in Texas Hold 'em).

Omaha rules pose no threat to any poker player, a beginner or a pro. Unfortunately, memorizing the rules, will not make you an Omaha genius. It is all about will, practice and skill!