How To Play Omaha High

Betting Structure

According to Omaha Poker Rules, there are four betting rounds in a complete game - exactly the same as in Texas Holdem.

Each bet on the first two rounds of betting is set at the lower limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $5/$10 game, all bets and raises are $5 for the first two rounds (after private cards are dealt and once the flop is spread in center of table).

The last two rounds of betting (turn card and river) are set at the higher limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $5/$10 game, all bets and raises are $10 for the last two rounds.

One bet plus three raises (four total bets) are the maximum amount of bets allowed per betting round. This would consist of (1) a bet, (2) a raise, (3) a re-raise, and (4) a cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since betting is then capped and cannot be raised anymore. Once any player has made the third raise (capped the pot), then players will have only the option of calling or folding.

Check-raising is allowed in all online poker games.

Dealer Button

In order to designate which player is the theoretical dealer in Omaha high low poker games, a round disk is used. This disk is called the dealer button or simply "the button".

After each hand is completed, the button moves clockwise to the next active player and this player will be considered to be the dealer, and will act on their hand last on each betting round. This is also termed playing the button for that game.

Blinds

The player to the left of the button is first to receive a card and is required to post a small blind. The small blind is equal to half the lower limit bet rounded down to the nearest dollar. The player to the left of the small blind is required to post the big blind. The big blind is equal to the lower limit bet. These bets are referred to as blinds because players must post them before the dealer deals any cards to the players. These blinds are similar to the ante that is required in other games such as 7-Card Stud.

Omaha Hi Lo Poker Rules specifiy that both the small and the big blinds are considered live bets. They have the option of checking, calling, raising or folding when the betting action comes back around to their position. After the flop and after each subsequent betting round, the first active player left of the button is first to act.

When players first sit down to play, they will be required to post the equivalent of the big blind only once or they have the option to "sit out" until it is their natural turn to post the big blind. This rule is in place to ensure game fairness to all players, as it prevents the possibility of players entering games in late position and then leaving before they are required to post the big blind.

Playing Hands in Omaha High Poker

When players show their hands, they MUST use exactly: two of their private cards plus three of the five board cards.