BETTING STRUCTURE
According to Omaha Poker Rules, there are four betting rounds
in a complete game - exactly the same as in Holdem.
Each bet on the first two rounds of betting is set at the lower
limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $5/$10 game,
all bets and raises are $5 for the first two rounds (after private
cards are dealt and once the flop is spread in center of table).
The last two rounds of betting (turn card and river) are set
at the higher limit of the stakes structure. For example in
a $5/$10 game, all bets and raises are $10 for the last two
rounds.
One bet plus three raises (four total bets) are the maximum
amount of bets allowed per betting round. This would consist
of (1) a bet, (2) a raise, (3) a re-raise, and (4) a cap. The
term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since
betting is then capped and cannot be raised anymore. Once any
player has made the third raise (capped the pot), then players
will have only the option of calling or folding.
Check-raising is allowed in all online poker games.
Dealer Button
In order to designate which player is the theoretical dealer
in Omaha high low poker games, a round disk is used. This disk
is called the dealer button or simply "the button".
After each hand is completed, the button moves clockwise to
the next active player and this player will be considered to
be the dealer, and will act on their hand last on each betting
round. This is also termed playing the button for that game.
Blinds
The player to the left of the button is first to receive a card
and is required to post a small blind. The small blind is equal
to half the lower limit bet rounded down to the nearest dollar.
The player to the left of the small blind is required to post
the big blind. The big blind is equal to the lower limit bet.
These bets are referred to as blinds because players must post
them before the dealer deals any cards to the players. These
blinds are similar to the ante that is required in other games
such as 7-Card Stud.
Omaha Poker Rules specifiy that both the small and the big
blinds are considered live bets. They have the option of checking,
calling, raising or folding when the betting action comes back
around to their position. After the flop and after each subsequent
betting round, the first active player left of the button is
first to act.
When players first sit down to play, they will be required
to post the equivalent of the big blind only once or they have
the option to "sit out" until it is their natural
turn to post the big blind. This rule is in place to ensure
game fairness to all players, as it prevents the possibility
of players entering games in late position and then leaving
before they are required to post the big blind.
HOW TO PLAY
The dealer deals each player their own four private cards face-down.
First betting round
The dealer spreads three community board cards face-up on the
table. This is commonly called "the flop".
Second betting round
The dealer turns over a fourth board card face-up commonly called
"the turn card".
Third betting round
The dealer turns over one final community board card commonly
called "the river card".
Final betting round
Players show their hands. This is commonly called "the
showdown".
When players show their hands, they MUST use exactly:
two of their private cards plus three of the five board cards.
