How to Play Irish Poker

Many people love playing Omaha Hold Em because it allows players to stay in the hand longer. This is why Omaha Hold Em Poker is a popular variation. There is a variation of Omaha Hold Em Poker called Irish Hold Em which combines Omaha Hold Em with stud poker. This satisfies those that want to see a lot of betting action at the table, along with those that want to see more strategy. The Omaha Hold Em concepts in Irish Hold Em increase the pots, and the 7 card stud concept adds strategy to the game of Irish Hold Em.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Playing cards

Getting Started

1. Play with up to 11 players in a game of Irish Hold Em. The best range of players is 6 to 8 at the table.

2. Deal 4 face down cards to each player. Each player may look at their own cards after all the players at the table have received their 4 face down cards.

3. Instruct each player at the table that they must use 2 hole cards when completing their final 5-card poker hand. You may not use any more than 2 hole cards, and no less than 2. In other words, you must use 2 hole cards and 3 community cards from the center of the table to form your final poker hand.

4. Conduct the first betting round. The player sitting in the seat to the left of the dealer begins the wagering.

5. Deal 3 cards face up into the center of the table. Just like in Omaha Hold Em and Texas Hold em, these are known as the “flop." All players can use 3 of the cards in the middle of the table to form their hand at the end of the table.

6. Discard 2 of your hole cards. Each player must now discard 2 of their hole cards. They must use the remaining 2 hole cards in their final poker hand. This is how Irish Hold Em becomes similar to 7 card stud poker.

7. Conduct a second betting round. This one is begun by the player sitting 2 seats to the left of the dealer.

Determining the Winner

8. Deal the fourth card, known as the “turn card,” to the center of the table.

9. Conduct a third betting round. This wagering round is begun by the player sitting 3 seats to the left of the dealer.

10. Deal the fifth and final community card, known as the “river card,” to the center of the table.

11. Conduct the final round of wagering. This is begun by the player sitting 4 seats to the left of the dealer.

12. Reveal your cards and declare your hands. Players that have not folded reveal their cards and declare their hand. The player with the best poker hand wins the pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Irish Hold Em is a game where you need to make a decision early on about which hole cards you will use in your hand. You must decide on a hand you are trying for and “go for it” after the flop.
• When making your bets in Irish Hold Em, bet as if you are playing 7 card stud, and 5 card stud after the flop. Your opportunities for big hands are not nearly the same as in games which give you more options for choosing your hole cards.