If you already know how to play Texas Hold 'em, you would have it relatively easy with Omaha. This is because, on the surface, the games are practically identical. (Omaha is oftentimes called Omaha Hold 'em). The only tangible difference between the two games lies in the fact that, in Omaha, players receive four pocket cards instead of two, as is the case with Texas Hold 'em. It is also safe to say that, sometimes, the games share similar winning strategies. However, seasoned traditional and online poker enthusiasts will surely tell you that each game has its own attraction and poses different challenges to those brave players who step up to these challenges.

Here, we have gathered a list of the most useful playing tips for punters with a sudden craving for some Omaha:

1. Omaha is NOT Texas Hold 'em. That's one hell of a tip, believe us. Although the two games share a lot in common, don't you ever forget that they are not the same. The four pocket cards factor is of paramount importance. Veteran poker players know how to manipulate this factor to their benefit as it is something that most poker beginners tend to ignore. We have learned it the hard way, but Omaha actually has its own tricks.

2. Playable Omaha hands. Since in Omaha you have to make your final five-card hand from two of your pocket cards and three of the community cards, you need to be very careful regarding the starting hands you can afford to stay in the hand with. The strongest Omaha starting hand is, of course, Ace of spades and Ace of hearts combined with Kings of the same suit. Other playable Omaha starting hands include: a high pair combined with an Ace suited, a high pair combined with a middle/low pair, any four high cards, three high card with an Ace suited and three high cards with an active sidecard. A hand that you need to discard immediately is Quads (such as AAAA).

3. A universal tip for all poker games, Omaha included: get caught bluffing. Being unpredictable while playing is one of the greatest skills that any poker player should possess. Unfortunately, only the most skilled ones know how to manipulate unpredictability. If you manage to bluff successfully, you would sure be able to nab the most coveted pots. However, if your opponents ultimately figure out your playing habits, for instance, which cards you play and which of them you typically fold, they would beat you in no time. What you need to do is diversify your game to such an extent that your opponents will have a very hard time guessing what your next move is likely to be.

4. Another universal tip for all poker games, Omaha included: study your opponents. One of the most important poker facts that many players either ignore or forget is that accurate reading of their foes' behavior at the table can frequently bring them victory without any additional effort. Once you've cracked your opponent's gaming habits, you are half way there.

5. Fold when you are beaten. This is yet another great tip. And, the truth is, that much like the previous two Omaha tips this one works for all variants of poker as well. A good poker player does not hold to a hand that is very unlikely to win. If you have the feeling that you are about to lose then you need to reevaluate the situation at the table. If your cards are hopeless, it is better to call it quits. Don't squander your money just because you are desperate to stay in the hand.

Omaha is an exciting and challenging game and once you start playing it well it could be very rewarding as well.