How to Play Omaha Online

Omaha, sometimes called Omaha Hi, is a poker-based game that is similar to Texas Hold 'em, but gives four cards to the player instead of two. Many online gaming sites offer Omaha Hi to be played against other players from around the world. Playing Omaha online is convenient for those who love the game but don't have a casino nearby, or those who have a bad poker face. To play Omaha online, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Enter an online gaming room and choose a seat. The computer will ask whether you want to wait for the big blind or post a blind now. If you want to play right away, click on the option that allows you to post the blind now. If you want to watch the table, you can wait until the big blind, the minimum ante that allows you to be in the game, to get to you.

2. Look at the four cards you are dealt. Stay in the hand if you have cards with the same suit and one of them is a face card, if you have a couple of face cards, if you have a pair or if you could make a straight. You can only use two cards from the four that you are given.

3. Make a pre-flop action. Pre-flop action is a round of betting based on the cards you have in your hand. When it is your turn, the computer will ask whether you want to check, which means do nothing, bet or call—match a bet that has already been placed. If someone bets, you have to at least call the bet to stay in the game. Only do this if you feel you have a good hand.

4. Look at the flop, which is the pile of three community cards. Everyone can use these cards to make their best hand. Look at your four cards and determine if two of them can make a good hand with the three community cards. The computer will go around again asking you if you want to check, call, bet or fold. If at any time you don't feel like you can make a winning hand, fold your cards and save some money.

5. Watch the dealer deal the turn card, which is the fourth community card. If you haven't folded, find two cards in your hand that can make a winner. Look for pairs, straights, flushes (cards of the same suit), three-of-a-kind or even four-of-a-kind. Remember, you can only use two cards in your hand. The computer will again ask whether you want to check, call, bet or fold.

6. Wait for the river card, the fifth and final community card. This will be the final determinant as to whether you have made a winning hand. This will also be the last round of betting. If you have a strong hand, don't be afraid to bet and put pressure on the other players.

7. See if you've won. The computer will first show the cards of the remaining player closest to the dealer. If you can't beat that hand, you can either show your cards or elect to muck, which means folding your hand without showing what it was. You can also tell the computer to automatically muck hands that you lose. If you have the best hand, you win all the money in the pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you don't have anything, you can stay in the game by checking as long as no one else bets. This might give you an opportunity to see a free card.
• Don't be afraid to bluff, especially if you've won a couple hands with credible cards. The best way to bluff is to play small and then play big after a card is turned over. This will keep your opponents guessing.
• Like any type of gambling, there is high risk. Don't risk more than you can afford. Online gambling allows you to put a little money in at a time and play at low-limit tables.
• In Omaha, one of the most deceiving hands is a pair, because with four cards to choose from, pairs are common and often beatable. Don't stay in the game on a pair alone, or if you do, try not to let it cost you too much money.
• Do not confuse Omaha Hi with Omaha Hi/Lo. These are not the same game.

Resources

• Learn to play different versions of Omaha poker.
• Get tips on card games.