How to Select Best Starting Hands in Omaha Poker

Omaha Poker is like Texas Hold 'em, except that players are dealt four cards instead of two and choose which two of the cards to use. Because you have this choice, the best hands in Omaha Poker aren't necessarily what you'd expect. The strategy is a little different, but it's fun after you get the hang of picking the best hands.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep hands that have something in common. Look for two pairs, sequential cards like Jack-Queen and 8-9, or hands that have two different suits. A hand with four cards of the same suit isn't as good since that means there are two cards less to make a flush (you can't use two of your cards).

2. Fold with hands that have four different suits containing low cards. For instance, Jack of Hearts, 8 of Diamonds, 5 of Spades and 2 of Clubs is a poor hand. Likewise, a hand containing the Queen of Diamonds, 4 of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds and 2 of Hearts is risky because even though it contains a pair, it's low and the two Hearts make it more difficult to catch a flush.

3. Consider that most of the time another player will be able to make a straight or a flush, so if you have only a low pair, you're unlikely to win.

4. Bow out with hands that have three of a kind, especially if they're low cards. You can't keep all three, and the fact that you have the third card makes it less likely that the fourth and final card of that kind in the deck will come up in the community cards.

5. Raise until your heart's content with strong hands. For example, if you hold the Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Hearts, King of Diamonds and King of Hearts, you are golden: You have two pair of two corresponding suits, so you could win with the pair or possibly a flush.