Omaha Poker Pot Limit Rules
The Basic Rules of Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) Omaha is a poker variant in which each player is dealt four “hole” cards (cards that the other players can’t see) and then share a five card board. It is similar to Hold’em in its play, with flop, turn, and river cards dealt in succession on the board, interspersed with betting rounds. Pot-limit Omaha opens up a lot more combinations and mixes the game up to come up with a ‘perfect poker strategy. But here are a few Omaha poker tips to get you started. It's all about your starting hand range - Pot-Limit Omaha has a separate set of starting hands you should be paying heed to.
We offer Pot Limit Omaha Poker online that you can play as Freerolls or Cash Game variants. Since we have explained the way to play Texas Hold’em poker above, we can point out the differences that the two variants have.
How Pot Limit Omaha Poker is Different from Texas Holdem Poker?
1. Omaha players are dealt four face-down cards each as opposed to two.
2.The players must use 2 of their Hole Cards to make their best possible hand.
3.This is a Pot Limit Game, only allowing players to place a maximum raise equal to the size of the pot.
How to play Pot Limit Omaha Poker?
Given a minimum of two and a maximum of nine players (usually), one can join in to play Pot Limit Omaha Poker. Since Pot Limit Omaha involves four cards, a lot of changes with respect to the strength of your hand. For example, medium flushes or sets may not qualify for a very great hand. You would find yourself beaten or worse still- drawing dead very often if you choose to play such hands often. The game ends when a player makes the best five card hand. This is subjected to the condition that a poker player can use exactly two of his Hole Cards and three of the Community Cards- and this rule is irrevocable.
The Dealer and the Blinds
Once the Dealer is decided as above, he/she is allotted the Dealer button. This Dealer button is symbolic of the centre of proceedings in a game. This Dealer is also responsible for shuffling up the cards first hand and to thus kick-off the placement of Blinds. Just like Texas Holdem Poker, two players to the immediate left of the Dealer put their blinds as Small Blind and Big Blind respectively. The Small Blind is usually half that of the Big Blind.
Dealing the Cards again
The placement of Blinds is followed by dealing one card (face-down) at a time to each player in a clockwise manner, repeated four times.
Pre-Flop Round
The Pre-Flop round starts as soon as the last of the four cards is dealt face down to the last player on a poker table. In this round, the action kicks off in a clockwise manner. This round concludes with all the players wagering the same (common) amount of money.
Flop
Pre-Flop round is followed by the Flop. In a game of Pot Limit Omaha poker, a total of five community cards are drawn by the Dealer. The Flop means the presence of the first three face-up cards that are dealt.
This is followed by another round starting from the player sitting to the left of the Dealer. All players have an option to check, call or raise.
This is followed by another round starting from the player sitting to the left of the Dealer. All players have an option to check, call or raise.
Turn
This is followed by a similar round called Turn, in which the Dealer casts-off the topmost card with him and again presents one face-up card next to the Flop. Action starts all over again and the round concludes once every player has either matched the previous wager or folded his/her hands.
River and Showdown
The last round of dealing Community Cards is called River. It is famous as the ‘Make or Break’ round because it is the last step before Showdown and a new card dealt often completely changes the complexion of the poker game
After one more round, all remaining players go into the Showdown to determine who has the best combination of cards. This combination is seen from three Community Cards and two of the four Hole Cards.
After one more round, all remaining players go into the Showdown to determine who has the best combination of cards. This combination is seen from three Community Cards and two of the four Hole Cards.
How is the winner determined in Pot Limit Omaha?
This is the tricky part. Pot Limit Omaha differs by a mile when it comes to figuring out the winner as compared to Texas Hold'em. However, the Hand Rankings remains the same between the two.
• The players are allowed to use only and exactly two hole cards and three Community Cards, to make their best hand possible. This also forms the basis to be the winner.
• In case of a deadlock with regards to common weak cards with all the players, then the winner is decided on the basis of the highest valued single card.
• All participants must use two cards of their own. In case they all have a straight board, they will complete it with their two cards and to emerge as the winner.
• The relevancy and priority of cards are irrelevant to the strength of a hand.
• The players are allowed to use only and exactly two hole cards and three Community Cards, to make their best hand possible. This also forms the basis to be the winner.
• In case of a deadlock with regards to common weak cards with all the players, then the winner is decided on the basis of the highest valued single card.
• All participants must use two cards of their own. In case they all have a straight board, they will complete it with their two cards and to emerge as the winner.
• The relevancy and priority of cards are irrelevant to the strength of a hand.
Basic Omaha Poker Strategy
Pot-limit Omaha opens up a lot more combinations and mixes the game up to come up with a ‘perfect poker strategy. But here are a few Omaha poker tips to get you started.
• It's all about your starting hand range - Pot-Limit Omaha has a separate set of starting hands you should be paying heed to. Considering a player is dealt four cards, they are tempted to play more often falling into the trap of any four cards are great Omaha Poker hands to play.
• Your golden pair of aces aren’t as golden in Pot Limit Omaha. A pair of aces might be a strong Omaha poker hand preflop, but unless they improve, you’re surely beat in a multi-way pot.
• Keep the poker bluffing for texas holdem poker. A Pot-Limit Omaha game witnesses lesser bluffs because a sign of strength in the wagering rounds is likely to be a strong hand.
• Draw for the nuts. When you find yourself investing large amounts into a pot with a drawing hand, it is advisable to do so with Omaha poker hands that are drawing to the nuts.
• It's all about your starting hand range - Pot-Limit Omaha has a separate set of starting hands you should be paying heed to. Considering a player is dealt four cards, they are tempted to play more often falling into the trap of any four cards are great Omaha Poker hands to play.
• Your golden pair of aces aren’t as golden in Pot Limit Omaha. A pair of aces might be a strong Omaha poker hand preflop, but unless they improve, you’re surely beat in a multi-way pot.
• Keep the poker bluffing for texas holdem poker. A Pot-Limit Omaha game witnesses lesser bluffs because a sign of strength in the wagering rounds is likely to be a strong hand.
• Draw for the nuts. When you find yourself investing large amounts into a pot with a drawing hand, it is advisable to do so with Omaha poker hands that are drawing to the nuts.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb rule to follow to calculate your implied odds:
Every out gives you an approximate 4% chance of hitting on the turn and river combined. For example, five outs give you about a 20% chance of improving. Six outs = 24% and so on.
Every out gives you an approximate 4% chance of hitting on the turn and river combined. For example, five outs give you about a 20% chance of improving. Six outs = 24% and so on.
| Specific Draws | Outs |
|---|---|
| Flush draw with two overcards or a straight flush draw | 15 Outs |
| Flush draw with one overcard | 12 Outs |
| Flush draw | 9 Outs |
| Open-ended straight draw | 8 Outs |
| Two overcards | 6 Outs |
| Gut-shot straight draw | 4 Outs |
You can’t think like a Holdem player. Pairs, two pairs and open-ended straight draws can not be overvalued in a Pot Limit Omaha game.
Basic Pre-Flop Strategy for Pot-Limit Omaha Poker
By now as a poker player, you must know the importance of starting hands and what a huge hand it plays in your profitability in a Pot Limit Omaha game. The range of your starting hand in Omaha poker varies from situation to situation. Here are a few factors and their corresponding starting hand range decision to keep in mind at your Pot Limit Omaha table:
1. How aggressive are the players? The tighter the table, the looser the starting hand and vice versa.
2. How many players are seated at your table? Play tighter at a full table and looser at a short-handed table.
3. How many players have folded or how many are in the hand when it’s your turn to act? Generally, you should be ¾.
4. What is your current position on the table? Play tighter from an early position and add to your Omaha poker hand range as your position moves along the table.
5. If the pot has been raised by a player, from which player and what position are they in? If many players are in the pot ahead of you you'll only want to enter the hand with multiple card combinations that have nut draw potential. Draw for the nuts or fold.
1. How aggressive are the players? The tighter the table, the looser the starting hand and vice versa.
2. How many players are seated at your table? Play tighter at a full table and looser at a short-handed table.
3. How many players have folded or how many are in the hand when it’s your turn to act? Generally, you should be ¾.
4. What is your current position on the table? Play tighter from an early position and add to your Omaha poker hand range as your position moves along the table.
5. If the pot has been raised by a player, from which player and what position are they in? If many players are in the pot ahead of you you'll only want to enter the hand with multiple card combinations that have nut draw potential. Draw for the nuts or fold.
Pot-Limit Omaha Starting Hands
Omaha Poker Pot Limit Rules Regulations
In a game of Omaha poker, having pocket pairs amongst four Hole Cards is not a powerful Omaha starting hand. The strongest Omaha poker Starting Hands is ace-king double suited. In this, you have two pocket pairs for starting made hands, but it opens up two nut flush opportunities and the Ace-King gives you a shot at Royal Flush Glory.
Following suit in the best Omaha poker starting hands are Double-suited hands with high-value connectors and pairs. Here are a few to keep your eye out for:
• A♠ A♥ J♥ T♠
• K♠ Q♣ J♠ T♣
• Q♥ Q♠ J♥ T♠
• A♦ A♠ 7♠ 6♦
These are Pot Limit Omaha starting hands that promise high potential to hold a straight, flush and set.
Following suit in the best Omaha poker starting hands are Double-suited hands with high-value connectors and pairs. Here are a few to keep your eye out for:
• A♠ A♥ J♥ T♠
• K♠ Q♣ J♠ T♣
• Q♥ Q♠ J♥ T♠
• A♦ A♠ 7♠ 6♦
These are Pot Limit Omaha starting hands that promise high potential to hold a straight, flush and set.
Trap Hands to avoid in Pot-Limit Omaha
A trap hand is a hand that gives you the false hope of landing hard but only really enough to get you to second-best in a Pot Limit Omaha game. Here is the list of Omaha Poker trap hands you want to avoid being trapped in:
• A Small Pair - Imagine you’ve been dealt 6♥ 6♣ 4♦ 3♣. We suggest not playing the hand, but if you are, it’s a set or full house you're hoping for. Let’s say the flop lands Q♦ J♣ 6♦, not a great one for you in Omaha poker, but the idea of the set holding good thanks to texas Holdem odds sets you up for a clear losing hand here. You are often outrun by a higher set in Pot Limit Omaha, flopping the set is possibly the biggest red flag for you to fold.
• Low Wrap Hands - By playing low Omaha poker sequences like 5♠ 4♣ 3♠ 2♣, you know well enough that you could be on the sucker end of this straight. Texas Holdem Poker should have already taught you that. The luring flop reveals 6-7-8, you take the bait and it’s likely someone has a 9-10, you draw dead.
• Small Flush Hands - If we haven’t said it enough Pot Limit Omaha is a nut game. You got to have the best, a lower card flush usually means you are losing the pot most often. Work those ace-high flushes for starters and don’t let the small flush hands trap you.
• A Small Pair - Imagine you’ve been dealt 6♥ 6♣ 4♦ 3♣. We suggest not playing the hand, but if you are, it’s a set or full house you're hoping for. Let’s say the flop lands Q♦ J♣ 6♦, not a great one for you in Omaha poker, but the idea of the set holding good thanks to texas Holdem odds sets you up for a clear losing hand here. You are often outrun by a higher set in Pot Limit Omaha, flopping the set is possibly the biggest red flag for you to fold.
• Low Wrap Hands - By playing low Omaha poker sequences like 5♠ 4♣ 3♠ 2♣, you know well enough that you could be on the sucker end of this straight. Texas Holdem Poker should have already taught you that. The luring flop reveals 6-7-8, you take the bait and it’s likely someone has a 9-10, you draw dead.
• Small Flush Hands - If we haven’t said it enough Pot Limit Omaha is a nut game. You got to have the best, a lower card flush usually means you are losing the pot most often. Work those ace-high flushes for starters and don’t let the small flush hands trap you.
Which hands should you raise in Pot Limit Omaha Poker?
Omaha Poker Pot Limit Rules 2019
- The thumb rule to follow for Omaha poker and raising preflop:Omaha Poker Pot Limit Rules 2020
- Raise only with the top 30 Pot Limit Omaha Starting hand
- Ensure you have at least two to a suit
- Hands with three face cards including a suited Ace
- Running cards (including one-gappers) which are double suited. For example 7 8 T J double-suited or 6 8 9 T double-suited
- Double suited premium pairs
| 1 | AA-KK | double-suited |
| 2 | AA-J-T | double-suited |
| 3 | AA-QQ | double-suited |
| 4 | AA-JJ | double-suited |
| 5 | AA-TT | double-suited |
| 6 | AA-9-9 | double-suited |
| 7 | AA-x-x | double-suited |
| 8 | J-T-9-8 | double-suited |
| 9 | KK-QQ | double-suited |
| 10 | KK-JJ | double-suited |
| 11 | K-Q-J-T | double-suited |
| 12 | KK-TT | double-suited |
| 13 | KK-A-Q | double-suited |
| 14 | KK-A-J | double-suited |
| 15 | KK-A-T | double-suited |
| 16 | KK-Q-J | double-suited |
| 17 | KK-Q-T | double-suited |
| 18 | KK-J-T | double-suited |
| 19 | QQ-JJ | double-suited |
| 20 | QQ-TT | double-suited |
| 21 | QQ-A-K | double-suited |
| 22 | QQ-A-J | double-suited |
| 23 | QQ-A-T | double-suited |
| 24 | QQ-K-J | double-suited |
| 25 | QQ-K-T | double-suited |
| 26 | QQ-J-T | double-suited |
| 27 | QQ-J-9 | double-suited |
| 28 | QQ-9-9 | double-suited |
| 29 | JJ-TT | double-suited |
| 30 | JJ-T-9 | double-suited |
Which hands to limp in pot limit Omaha?
• Hands with three face cards but no suited Ace
• All running cards (without gappers), 5 or higher
• Hands with a suited Ace and straight possibilities
• Running cards with one gapper between the second and third card
The above are just guidelines and need to be applied keeping in mind your Omaha poker table dynamics. Keep in mind your table image, your opponents’ skill level, your skill level before making your decision.
• All running cards (without gappers), 5 or higher
• Hands with a suited Ace and straight possibilities
• Running cards with one gapper between the second and third card
The above are just guidelines and need to be applied keeping in mind your Omaha poker table dynamics. Keep in mind your table image, your opponents’ skill level, your skill level before making your decision.
5 Card PLO
This popular version of PLO was introduced on PokerBaazi on July 1’19 and differs slightly from the 4 card variant. In this format, 5 hole cards are dealt instead of 4 and a player must use 2 hole cards and 3 community cards to complete his/her best 5 card combination. The game also follows a ‘pot limit’ structure, just like in the regular variant.