Omaha Playing Guide
In this ultimate guide to Omaha, we break down everything you need to know about the game, how it differs from your go-to faves, and how to start playing at Ignition Poker. We also explore some of the best Ignition cash games and Ignition Poker tournaments for you to explore
Play Omaha at Ignition Australia
Here at Ignition, there are a few different types of Omaha you can play:
⦁ Fixed Limit Omaha: In this style of Omaha, bets are capped at a specific amount, which limits the amount you can win.
⦁ Pot Limit Omaha: Here, you can’t raise or bet more than the total amount that’s in the pot at that time.
⦁ No Limit Omaha: You probably guessed it but this style of Omaha features no limits and takes no prisoners! Bet freely for an epic payday.
To play Omaha Hi-Lo at Ignition, click ‘Poker’ on the top menu to head to the Ignition Poker webpage. From there, you can click on ‘Play Now’ to see the games available.
Press ‘Poker Tournaments’ on the menu to hit your next big jackpot!
ALT: An interface of the Ignition website, with a red circle around the ‘Poker Tournaments’ menu option.
What is Omaha & How to Play
Omaha is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, and modern style of poker that’s ideal for players seeking something fresh. While Texas Hold’em dates back over 100 years, Omaha is kinda the new (and crazy cool) kid on the block. It burst onto the poker scene in the 1980s and, since then, has taken the world by storm – us included.
You’ll be stoked to hear that the rules of Omaha are pretty simple. Players must build the strongest five-card hand they possibly can using two of their hole cards and three community cards.
The game starts with each player receiving four hole cards, followed by a round of pre-flop betting. Next, the dealer lays out three community cards (the ‘flop’) face-up for all players to see. Players bet again before the fourth community card is dealt face-up (this card is called the ‘turn’). Every player gets the chance to bet again before the fifth and final community card (referred to as the ‘river’) is shown. The last round of betting ensues here, followed by the showdown, where all remaining players show their cards. The player with the strongest hand walks away as the winner of the pot. We told ya it was simple!
The Difference Between Omaha & Texas Hold’em
There are a few key differences between Omaha vs. Texas Hold’em. The first is the number of pre-flop hole cards you’ll get. In Hold’em, you’ll get two, but in Omaha, you get four.
Another difference is how many of those hole cards you can use to create the best possible five-card hand. In Texas Hold’em, you can use as many (or as few) as you need. In Omaha, though, you can only use two hole cards (the other three need to be community cards).
After playing a few rounds of Omaha, you’ll also notice that it’s more complex than Texas Hold’em – some people love that and, for others, it’s not their cuppa tea. Of course, there’s only one way to find out where you sit – by playing!
The Difference Between Omaha Hi-Lo & Omaha
Now that you know the difference between Omaha vs. Texas Hold’em, let’s compare Omaha and its younger brother, Omaha Hi-Lo.
While the rules of these games are the same, the key difference you need to know is the split pot. In Omaha, the whole pot goes to the player with the strongest (aka the highest) hand.
But Omaha Hi-Lo can have two winners who split the pot evenly. One is the player who finishes with the highest-ranking hand and the other is the player who finishes with the lowest-ranking hand. But here’s the catch: a player’s hand can only qualify as a winning low hand if all five cards feature unique rankings under 8.
Omaha Strategy
Looking to boost your strategy for all kinds of Ignition Poker games, including Omaha? We’ve got you covered.
If you’re hoping to win big money in Ignition cash games (which, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), strategy is going to be your best friend. Head to the Ignition Poker strategy page to discover the common missteps to avoid, the hottest tips for the hottest games, and insider secrets straight from the pros. Before you know it, you’ll be crushing the competition and building that bankroll to new heights.
Omaha Card Rankings
If you’ve played Texas Hold’em, then you’re in luck! Wrapping your head around the poker hand rankings in Omaha will be a total breeze because they’re the same as in Texas Hold’em.
Below, you’ll find the top five poker hand rankings in order:
⦁ Royal Flush – Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten in the same suit.
⦁ Straight Flush – Any five sequential cards in the same suit. The higher the ranks, the better the hand.
⦁ Four of a Kind – All four cards from a particular rank. The higher the rank, the better the hand.
⦁ Full House – Two cards of the same rank and three cards of another rank. The higher the ranks, the better the hand.
⦁ Flush – Five non-consecutive cards of the same suit. If two or more players hold a Flush, the highest card wins.
Read the full list of Ignition Poker hand rankings.
3 Reasons to Play Omaha
A new challenge – Omaha is widely seen as more challenging and stimulating than Texas Hold’em. So, if you’re keen to level up your skills and explore new avenues, this is the game for you. Besides, once you’ve played all the Ignition games on offer, you can have your say and write a well-informed, totally honest Ignition Poker review. And on that note, have we mentioned you’re looking incredible today?
Smaller bankroll fluctuations – When you play Omaha, your bankroll won’t see fluctuations as extreme as when you play Texas Hold’em. You also have a smaller chance of going completely bust, which does wonders for your peace of mind.
Omaha is growing in popularity – With every passing year, more and more players are broadening their poker horizons. As a result, Omaha cash games and tourneys are becoming increasingly popular – and you can see it firsthand in our selection of Ignition cash games and Ignition Poker tournaments! Get a leg-up on your opponents by practising today.
Why not experience the action firsthand?