OMAHA: RULES AND STRATEGIES

Omaha is a variation of the famous card-game poker. It differs only slightly from the Texas hold ‘em form, and is being discussed here.<br>
RULES:

1. One player is designated the dealer, and is marked by the dealer button. The button moves clockwise after each ‘hand’ is played.
2. The two players on the left of the dealer place the small and big ‘blinds’ respectively. They place the only money in the pot before the cards are dealt.
3. The dealer deals four cards face-down to each player. These are called hole cards.
4. The player sitting to the left of the big blind commences the first betting round, and it continues clockwise.
5. After the first betting round, the dealer places three community cards face-up on the table. This is called ‘flop’.
6. The second betting round starts with the first remaining player to the left of the button, and continues clockwise.
7. Next, the dealer places a fourth community card face-up on the table. This is called ‘turn’.
8. The first remaining player to the left of the dealer commences the third betting round, and it continues clockwise.
9. This is followed by a fifth community card being dealt face-up by the dealer, called the ‘river’.
10. The final round of betting takes place on the same pattern.
11. A hand is made by combining two of a player’s hole cards, and three community cards. All remaining players show their hands, and the player with the best hand wins!

STRATEGIES:

1. One of the most important skills of a poker player is the capability of changing gears. A strategy which is quite effective against certain opponents may leave you a total sitter against some others, so it’s important to be able to adapt.
2. It’s important in poker not to let your emotions get over your logic. Poker is finally a game of numbers, so a proper plan and method of playing is important. You should play from your mind, not your heart.
3. One of the most important things to keep in mind is aiming short-term. The ultimate focus of any poker player should be winning in the long-run, irrespective of short term gains or losses.