How to Play Pot-Limit Omaha Poker Online

by Ivo Manolov Writing and Link-Building

Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), also known as Omaha Hold'em, is a variant of Texas Hold'em that's grown significantly in popularity in recent years. While it shares some similarities with Texas Hold'em, PLO introduces some key differences that can make the game both more challenging and more rewarding to play. This article will serve as a beginner's guide to PLO, explaining the rules, strategic concepts, and how the game differs from Texas Hold'em.

What is Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)?

PLO is a community card poker game, similar to Texas Hold'em. However, two key differences significantly impact how the game is played:

Number of Hole Cards: In PLO, each player is dealt four hole cards (two more than in Hold'em)
Pot Limit Betting: As the name suggests, Pot-Limit betting restricts how much a player can wager on a hand. The maximum bet a player can make in PLO is equal to the size of the pot at that time.

These two differences fundamentally change the strategic elements of the game compared to Hold’em. With four-hole cards, players have many more hand combinations possible, and the Pot-Limit betting structure encourages aggressive play. Of course, depending on the online platform that you are playing on, the level of opponents can be different. For example in the Pokerbros application in general the games are often softer than in other places.

How to Play a Hand of PLO

Here's a basic rundown of the hand sequence in PLO:

Blinds: Similar to Hold'em, two players post forced bets called blinds before any cards are dealt.
Hole Cards: Each player is dealt four hole cards face down.
Pre-Flop: The betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind. Players can fold, call, or raise.
Flop: Three community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. Another round of betting occurs.
Turn: A fourth community card is dealt face up. There's another round of betting.
River: The fifth and final community card is dealt face up. There's a final round of betting.
Showdown: If more than one player remains after the final betting round, the remaining players reveal their cards. The best five-card hand made from the combination of a player's two-hole cards and the five community cards wins the pot.

Concepts to Define in Pot-Limit Omaha

Hand Rankings: Just like in Hold'em, there are high hands (straights, flushes, full houses, etc.) and low hands (hands containing an eight or lower). However, due to the four-card starting hands, the ranking of hands can be quite different in PLO. For instance, two pair is a much stronger hand in PLO than in Hold'em. A good understanding of PLO hand rankings is essential for success.
Pot Odds: Understanding pot odds is an important concept in Pot-Limit Omaha, just as in other forms of poker. Pot odds refer to the ratio between the size of the pot and the amount you need to call a bet. This ratio can help you determine whether calling a bet is mathematically sound based on the potential value of your hand.
Position: As in Hold'em, position at the table is very important in PLO. Players who act later in a betting round have a significant advantage. This is because they get to see what other players have done before they have to commit chips to the pot.

The Main Differences Between PLO and Texas Hold'em

While PLO and Hold'em share many similarities, there are some significant differences you should know:

Betting Structure: As mentioned previously, PLO utilizes Pot-Limit betting, whereas Hold'em uses No-Limit betting, where players can wager any amount up to all their chips. This difference can lead to more aggressive play and larger pots in PLO.
Hand Strength: Due to the four-card starting hands, the relative strength of hands is different in PLO compared to Hold'em. For example, straights and flushes are less powerful in PLO, while two pair and sets become much stronger.
Variance: PLO is generally considered a more volatile game than Hold'em. The four-card starting hands and Pot-Limit betting structure can lead to larger swings in chip stacks.

FAQ

Can you use 1 card in Omaha?

No, you cannot use only one card in Omaha. In Omaha, you are dealt four hole cards and must use exactly two of them, along with three community cards, to make your best five-card hand.

Is 7-2 a good hand in Omaha?

A 7-2 hand, also known as "Little Wheel," can be a strong starting hand in Omaha, especially if it's suited. This is because it has the potential to make a very strong nut low hand (the lowest possible hand), which can be difficult for other players to beat. However, it's important to be aware of the pot odds and the number of opponents in the hand before playing a 7-2 hand.