How to Play Omaha Hi-Lo
Understanding the Basics of Omaha Hi-Lo At its core, Omaha Hi-Lo plays similarly to standard Omaha. However, it is distinct
How to Play (PLO) Pot Limit Omaha Poker Online
(PLO) or Pot Limit Omaha Poker has steadily become the second-favorite community card game. The refreshing twist that gives each player four hole cards instead of Hold’em’s two, multiplies the number of potential hand combinations and decision points.
In this guide, you’ll discover the fundamental rules that set Omaha apart, delve into the specifics of Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), and explore strategic insights that will elevate your game. I’ll equip you with everything from hand formation to betting structures, so you have a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Basic Rules and Hand Formation
The core rules of Pot Limit Omaha are straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with other poker variants. Though similar, there are some unique elements that distinguish it from Texas Hold’em, particularly in how hands are formed and played.
The Fundamental Two-Card Rule
In Omaha, you must use exactly two of your four hole cards together with exactly three of the five community cards to make your final five-card hand. This rule is pivotal and often trips up new players accustomed to the flexibility of Hold’em, where any combination of zero, one, or two hole cards may be used.
Let’s walk through a common beginner trap:
Your Hand: A♥ K♣ Q♠ J♣
The Board: K♥ 10♥ 6♠ 3♥ 2♥
At first glance, many players think: “I have the A♥ in my hand and four hearts on the board, so I have the nut flush!” But that’s not how Omaha works. Remember, you can only use two hole cards.
- Your hole cards: A♥ K♣ Q♠ J♣
- If you try to make a flush, you’d have to use two hearts from your hand. But you only have one: A♥.
- That means you don’t have a flush.
- Your actual best hand here is a pair of Kings with an Ace kicker.
Starting-Hand Distribution
Every hand plays out in a few phases. Here’s what happens from blinds to payouts.
- Blinds are posted: The players to the left of the dealer button place the small blind and big blind.
- Hole cards are dealt: Each player receives four hole cards, face down.
- First betting round: Beginning with the player to the left of the big blind, players may call, raise, or fold.
- Community card rounds: First, the flop’s three community cards are dealt face-up, followed by a second betting round. The turn provides one more card and another round of betting. Finally, the river is the last community card and round of betting.
- Payouts: After all bets are settled, players reveal their cards and compare their hands. The biggest hand takes the pot.
- On to the next hand: The dealer button moves to the left, and the next hand begins from the top with blinds.
| Feature | Texas Hold’em | Pot Limit Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Hole Cards | 2 cards | 4 cards |
| Hand Formation | Any mix of hole & board cards | Exactly 2 from hand + 3 from board |
| Betting Rounds | 4 rounds | 4 rounds |
| Starting Hands | 1,326 two-card combinations[3] | 270,725 four-card combinations[3] |
| Typical Hand Strength to Win | One pair / two pair | Straights / flushes / full houses |
| Strategic Depth | Moderate | High |
Hand Rankings and Values
Omaha uses the standard “high-hand” ranking:
- Royal Flush: A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
- Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not consecutive
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
- Two Pair: Two distinct pairs
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
- High Card: None of the above; the highest single card decides
With these foundational rules in mind, you’re ready to explore the specifics of Pot-Limit Omaha, where the excitement truly begins.
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) Specifics
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) introduces a thrilling dimension to the game, characterized by its betting structure and strategic intricacies.
Betting Structure
In PLO, a player may bet or raise any amount up to the current size of the pot, including the call amount. A quick way to calculate a maximum raise after someone has bet is:
Maximum total wager = (Pot before action) + (Bet to you) + (Amount you must call)
Example 1
- Pot = $100.
- Player A bets $50.
- Player B (next to act) may raise to a total of $200:
- $100 (pot) + $50 (bet) + $50 (call) = $200.
Example 2
- Pot = $150.
- Player A bets $50.
- Player B may raise to a total of $250:
- $150 + $50 + $50 = $250.
Position and Stack Sizes
Position is more important in PLO because stacks run close together, and many pots become multi-way. Typical full-ring cash-game guidelines are:
| Position | Suggested Effective Stack (BB) |
|---|---|
| Early | 100-150 BB |
| Middle | 80-120 BB |
| Late | 60-100 BB |
| Button | 50-80 BB |
| Small Blind | 40-70 BB |
| Big Blind | 30-60 BB |
Note: These ranges are not strict rules, so you can adjust home games for table dynamics and personal style.
Key Differences from Hold’em
Omaha's distinct features set it apart from Hold'em, requiring a shift in strategy:
- Hand Strength: Winning hands in Omaha are usually straights or better; one-pair rarely scoops a sizable pot.
- Drawing Hands: Because players hold four cards, combination draws (e.g., straight + flush draw) are common.
- Bluffing: Pure bluffs are less effective; opponents often have equity to continue.
- Variance: Expect higher bankroll swings; many pots are contested by several strong draws.
- Starting-Hand Selection: Favor double-suited, connected, and paired combinations; uncoordinated holdings lose value.
- Pot Control: Once a pot grows, stack-to-pot ratio (SPR) shrinks quickly under a pot-limit structure.
With a solid grasp of PLO mechanics, you’re ready to explore strategic fundamentals that will enhance your gameplay.
Equity Differences: Hold’em vs. Omaha
One of the biggest reasons Omaha feels so wild compared to Texas Hold’em is how hand equities run much closer together. In Hold’em, premium pairs often dominate. In Omaha, even the best starting hands don’t have as much of a head start.
Example 1: Pocket Aces vs. Pocket Kings (Hold’em)
- Hand 1: A♥ A♠
- Hand 2: K♥ K♠
Before the flop, Aces are a massive favorite:
- Aces win ~82% of the time
- Kings win only ~18% of the time
This huge gap is why pocket Aces are so powerful in Hold’em.
Example 2: Double-Suited Aces vs. Kings + Queens (Omaha)
- Hand 1: A♠ A♥ 7♦ 6♦ (double-suited)
- Hand 2: K♥ K♠ Q♥ J♠
Here the math is much closer:
- Aces win only ~60% of the time
- Kings + Queens win ~40% of the time
That 60/40 split is typical of Omaha, even monster hands are vulnerable to connected, coordinated holdings.
Why It Matters
- In Hold’em, you can often lean on premium pairs.
- In Omaha, drawing hands and nut potential matter more than one-pair strength.
- Expect to see more flops, more multi-way pots, and more showdowns with straights, flushes, or full houses deciding the winner.
Best Starting Hands in Pot-Limit Omaha
Omaha gives you four hole cards, which means there are 270,725 possible combinations. That makes hand selection both richer and trickier than Hold’em. While advanced players can navigate many more holdings, beginners should stick to the proven winners.
Here are some of the strongest and most playable starting hands in PLO.
Premium Hands (Play from Any Position)
These hands combine big pairs, suitedness, and connectivity.
- A♠ A♦ K♠ K♦ (double-suited) – The strongest starting hand in PLO. Top pair value + multiple nut-flush draws.
- A♥ A♣ J♥ 10♣ (double-suited) – High pair + Broadway straight potential + flush possibilities.
- A♠ A♥ Q♠ Q♥ (double-suited) – Always has top set potential with strong redraws.
Strong Hands (Playable in Most Spots, Especially in Position)
Hands that make top straights, nut flushes, and strong sets.
- K♠ K♦ Q♠ J♦ (double-suited) – High connectivity with strong flush draws.
- Q♠ Q♥ J♠ 10♥ (double-suited) – Makes Broadway straights and flushes.
- J♠ 10♦ 9♠ 8♦ (double-suited) – A classic “rundown” hand with huge straight and flush potential.
Speculative Hands (Best Played in Position with Deep Stacks)
Playable if you can see a cheap flop, but avoid going too far without strong improvement.
- 9♠ 9♦ 8♠ 8♦ (double-suited) – Strong set potential with backup flushes.
- 8♠ 7♦ 6♠ 5♦ (double-suited) – Multiple straight and flush draws possible.
- A♠ K♠ 7♦ 6♦ (suited) – High card value with straight and flush potential, but weaker than premium double-suited Aces.
Hands to Avoid (Beginner Trap Hands)
Not all four-card combos are worth playing. Stay away from:
- Danglers – Hands like A♠ K♦ Q♠ 2♣ where one card (the “2”) doesn’t connect with anything else.
- Rainbow Junk – Four uncoordinated cards of all different suits, e.g. K♦ 9♠ 6♥ 2♣.
- Small Pairs Only – Hands like 4♦ 4♠ 9♥ J♣ rarely improve enough to win big pots.
Strategy Fundamentals
Mastering Omaha Poker requires a strategic approach that balances hand selection, post-flop play, and awareness of common mistakes. Here are a few core strategies that will elevate your game.
Post-Flop Play
Navigating the post-flop stage requires keen insight and adaptability. Consider these points:
- Assess Board Texture: Is the flop coordinated (e.g., 9-8-7 two-tone) or dry (e.g., K-5-2 rainbow)?
- Position Advantage: Act last to control pot size and realize equity.
- Drawing Potential: Count outs to the nut straight or flush, not just any made hand.
- Opponent Tendencies: Tight tables reward aggression; loose tables reward value betting.
- Pot Odds & Equity: Use an equity calculator to verify profitable calls.
- Bluffing Opportunities: Semi-bluff with robust draws; avoid air-ball bluffs into multiple opponents.
- Value Betting: Extract maximum from marginal callers when you hold the nuts or near-nuts.
- Check-Raising: A strong way to build the pot and deny equity when out of position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls is key to success in Omaha. Here's what to watch out for:
- Overvaluing Non-Nut Hands: Second-best hands get stacked often.
- Ignoring Position: Playing weak hands out of position invites trouble.
- Chasing Draws Without Odds: Even with many outs, fold when the price is wrong.
- Neglecting Pot Odds/Spr: Always calculate before committing chips.
- Playing Too Many Hands: Discipline pre-flop saves money post-flop.
- Failing to Adapt: Adjust to table image and stack sizes.
- Underestimating Opponents: Many recreational players have strong hand-reading skills in PLO.
- Overcommitting to Non-Nut Flushes: Beware of dominated draws.
With these strategic insights, you’re well-equipped to tackle the challenges of Omaha Poker. Let’s now consider the nuances of playing online.
Online Play Considerations
Playing Omaha Poker online introduces unique challenges and opportunities. From software tools to adjusting to the game's pace, here's what you need to know.
Software and Tools
Leveraging the right tools can enhance your online Omaha experience. Consider these recommendations:
- Tracking Software: PokerTracker 4, Hold’em Manager 3, or Hand2Note provide database analysis for Omaha cash and tournaments.
- HUDs (Heads-Up Displays): Real-time stats (VPIP, PFR, 3-Bet%) assist in identifying leaks—ensure the site permits HUDs.
- Equity Calculators: PLO-specific programs (e.g., ProPokerTools Omaha Calculator or Equilab Omaha) quantify hand equities.
- Table-Selection Software: Tools like TableScan Turbo help locate soft games on networks that allow them.
Disclaimer: Always confirm that third-party tools comply with the terms of service of your chosen platform.
Adjusting to Online Speed
Online play demands quick decision-making and efficient time management. Here are practical tips:
- Start Slow: One or two tables until you can make solid decisions within the time bank.
- Use Hotkeys: Software shortcuts reduce misclicks.
- Session Reviews: Mark hands in real time for later analysis.
- Environment: Minimize distractions, online PLO moves fast.
- Bankroll Management: Maintain at least 50–100 buy-ins for cash games or 100+ for tournaments, reflecting higher variance.
With these considerations in mind, you’re ready to embrace the fast-paced world of online Omaha Poker.
Practice Playing Pot Limit Omaha
Omaha Poker offers a thrilling and strategic alternative to Texas Hold’em. By understanding the fundamental rules, mastering PLO specifics, and applying sound strategy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Omaha player. If you're ready to start playing, discover the best places to play Pot Limit Omaha and engage in your first hand.
Learn About Other Poker Games
How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker Online
What Is Texas Hold’em? At its core, Texas Hold’em is a community card game where players combine two “hole cards”
How to Play 7 Card Stud
Understanding 7 Card Stud Basics In 7 Card Stud, each player eventually receives seven cards; three face down and four
FAQs
Nearly every casino that offers poker has a game of Omaha running. It’s an incredibly popular format for both cash games and tournaments. Just check your local casino to see what kind of Omaha games are running. If you’re looking for a place to play online, we have you covered. Our team is filled with Omaha fans who have done their due diligence to find the best Omaha sites out there. Check out our detailed poker reviews to see which site best suits you.
That depends on if you’re playing PLO or O8. If you’re playing PLO and shooting for the best high hand, then the best starting hand you can get AAKK double suited. If you’re playing O8 and looking for the best scooping hand, then that’s AA23 double suited. This not only gives you a pair of aces for the high hand, but A2, A3 or 23 as a great start for the low hand.
That question can spark a lot of debate depending on where you ask it. Since O8 and PLO are such different games it’s hard to give a definitive answer. If you go by WSOP rankings, then Scott Clements is the highest earning O8 player with $1,109,333 in earnings while Tommy Le tops the Omaha leaderboard with $2,413,480.
Yes, there’s plenty of Omaha at the WSOP. There are dozens of cash games and Sit & Gos running at any given time and there were more than 15 Omaha bracelet events during the 2021 WSOP. Check out the WSOP Schedule if you want to see the exact days, times and buy-ins.. They ranged from everything from PLO to Mixed Omaha to bounty tournaments.
While the $50,000 Poker Players Championship has some Omaha in it because it’s a H.O.R.S.E. event, the WSOP Main Event is a Texas Hold’em tournament. If you’re interested in that $10,000 tournament, check out what your odds of winning it are.
There are tons of places to learn more Omaha strategy. There are a myriad of books including “Farha on Omaha”. If you’re looking for a good introduction with solid strategy, then “Pot-limit Omaha Poker” by Jeff Hwang is a solid choice. If you want to go deeper into O8, then you can’t go wrong with “Scoop!: Big O and PLO8: Winning High Low Concepts for the Hold’em Mind” by Greg Vail.
There are also tons of online message boards like 2+2 with tons of free content and discussions where you can read up on Omaha and post your hands so other players can provide feedback. If you’re a more visual learner, then there are tons of coaching sites out there that have hours of video training and one-on-one coaching to help bring your game to the next level.
