How to Play
Omaha Hi, is similar to Omaha hi-lo and Texas hold’em, but creates a wider range of possibilities because nine cards are used.  The purpose of the game is to finish with the best poker hand and win the pot.  The rules are most similar to Texas hold’em, except for the Review that Omaha hi deals four pocket cards (rather than two), and the showdown only uses two pocket cards and three communal cards (rather then a choice of combinations).  The players to the left of the dealer begin by posting the blind bets.  A blind bet is a forced bet that is taken before the cards are dealt and is made instead of an ante.  It is posted by the two players to the left of the dealer. A “small blind” is placed by the player to the dealer’s left. The “big blind” is placed by the player left of the small blind.  Two pocket cards are dealt to each player, face-down.  First round of betting - options are to fold, bet, or raise - only one bet, and three raises per player are allowed on the first round also, players cannot “check” in the first round, as blinds are bets, and not antes.  Three communal cards or flop are dealt face-up in the center of the table. All communal cards are active for all players and can be used in combination with each player’s two cards.  Second round of betting - options are to check, fold, bet, or raise.  Fourth communal card or turn is dealt face-up.  Third round of betting - options are to check, fold, bet, or raise.  If, at this stage, there are still at least two vying players, the fifth, and final communal card or river is dealt face-up.  Final round of betting follows.  All remaining players then create the best five-card high hand possible. You can only use:

* Two pocket cards and three communal cards
* If two or more players have the same winning hand, the pot is split equally between them.

Omaha Hi Poker Rules
As per normal poker rules - playing and betting proceeds in a clockwise direction.  The two players to the left of the dealer post the blind bets.  Small blind (the player who sits left of the dealer) bets half the lower limit.  Big blind (the player who sits left of the small blind) bets equal to the lower limit.  Betting increments in the game determine the blinds. In a game of $2 and $4 betting increments, the small blind is $1, and the big blind is $2.  The blind bets in Omaha hi are considered as active bets, and therefore, players have the option to check, fold, call, and raise when the betting action returns to their position. (Exception to first round betting). First round betting - options are to fold, bet, or raise.

* Only one bet, and three raises per player are allowed on the first round
* Players cannot “check” in the first round, as blinds are bets, and not antes

Second and subsequent betting rounds - options are to check, fold, bet, or raise.  All bets must be placed in conjunction with the game’s betting increments.  There are four possible betting rounds in Omaha hi poker. Each bet and raise during the first two rounds is set at the lower limit of the stakes structure, and for the last two rounds at a higher limit structure. For example in a $1/$2 Omaha hi game, all bets and raises are $1 for the first two rounds (after pocket cards are dealt and after the flop). All bets and raises are $2 for the last two rounds (after the turn and after the river), following accepted poker rules.

The maximum allowable number of bets per player during any betting round in Omaha hi poker is four. This includes a (1) bet, (2) raise, (3) re-raise, and (4) cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since betting is then capped and can’t be raised further. Once capped, players will have only the option of calling or folding.  In betting rounds where players have folded, the first active player left of the disc/dealer is first to act.  To ensure fairness for all online poker players - new players entering the Omaha hi game will be required to post the equivalent of the big blind. All players have the option of sitting out and waiting for the actual big blind before starting play.  By preventing players from constantly entering poker games in a late position and leaving before they’re required to post, these rules stop potential abuse of the online environment.

Omaha Poker Strategy
* Straights and flushes are common since there are five community cards to choose from
* You’re looking out for a high hand only - beware of low cards

Looking for strategies on other poker games?  Head to Casino Cash Journey to find lots more including Omaha Poker strategy.