Omaha (Global Poker) July 2023

Global Poker is one of the most popular poker rooms in the world and for good reason. You’ll find a wide range of games running most of the day and in the evening. Global Poker Omaha is just one option.

As with other ring games, you’ll take your virtual place at the table – just click on the “Seat Open” notation. That opens a pop-up window that tells you your balance, as well as the minimum number of coins required to buy into the game. If you don’t have enough, the game will automatically log you out. Otherwise, you can buy into the game.

The gameplay is smooth, although it’s not as seamless as Global Poker’s slot games. That’s because you’re playing against real people, not just waiting on the computer to turn the reels. Each player can take their time when deciding on their next move. However, Global Poker Omaha is pretty fast paced, so you don’t need to worry that you’ll be waiting for too long.

How to Play

Not familiar with Global Poker Omaha? Don’t worry. If you know how to play Texas Hold’em, you’re already familiar with the basics. Omaha is very similar, particularly if you’re talking about pot-limit Omaha (usually abbreviated as PLO).

Start with the basic rules of Texas Hold’em, and then introduce a few key variations.

1. The blinds are posted.
2. Each player is dealt four hole cards to make a final five-card hand.
3. You can only use two hole cards and three community cards to create that hand.
4. While these games can have two to 10 players, Global Poker Omaha games max out at six.
5. Omaha is usually played with a pot limit, unlike Texas Hold’em. You cannot exceed the value of the pot, only raise it.
6. You cannot go all-in with this game, either.
7. Because you cannot bully other players with the size of your stack, Global Poker Omaha is more about skill and the quality of the hand you build.

With that introduction out of the way, let’s talk about gameplay. While Global Poker might be a digital poker room, the game plays the same as it would at a physical table.

Omaha Poker Step-by-step

First, the two blinds are paid – the small blind (SB) and the big blind (BB). The SB equals half the minimum play, and the BB equals the minimum play. These go to the two players to the dealer’s left. The dealer button turns clockwise and shows the direction of play for the game.

The gameplay begins with the player to the left of the big blind. That player is allowed to fold, raise, or call. The game then continues clockwise around the table. Omaha allows a single play, followed by up to three raises per game round.

When the first round finishes, the dealer lays three cards face up. Called the “flop”, these are the community cards and are accessible to all players. Your final five-card hand must include three of these community cards.

Next, you’ll go through another round of playing. However, there are some differences this time. Players starting with the one to the left of the dealer button can choose to play or check. The following player can then fold, call, or raise, but only if there were plays before their turn. And remember, because this is pot-limit Omaha, nothing can exceed the current size of the pot. You can only increase it.

Once every player has played or raised, you continue with another round that follows the same form. The dealer lays down a fourth community card after the second round, which is called the turn. After the third round, a fifth (the river) is dealt. The fourth round is the last and any players who remain in the game must show their hands to determine the winner.

Tips and Tricks

• Think of Global Poker Omaha as a drawing game. Pre-flop and all-ins aren’t very frequent because you can only play or raise the size of the pot. Get used to the idea that you’ll play several rounds and draw to build your hand. It’s all about the quality of what’s in your hand. If you’re not confident yours is great, you can fold.
• Exercise patience. Don’t play just any hand you’re dealt. Tight is the best option here. Take the time to build your hand and only play it when you’re confident.
• Do you have a strong hand? Maybe you’re holding the nuts. If so, resist the urge to show off how strong that hand is. Instead, just call on your turn. This helps to draw as many gold coins out of your opponents as possible. They’ll pay you to win.

Conclusion

Global Poker Omaha is a fast-paced game that requires patience. It’s more about skill than being able to bluff or bully, and it requires knowing how to build a strong hand with what you’re dealt and the community cards available to you. Ultimately, it can be a great addition to your regular poker play, whether you’re primarily a Texas Hold’em player or you usually prefer different varieties.

Topic expert

Natalia Atteberry

Natalia is our connection to the glamorous old-school casinos of Europe. Think cocktail dresses, roulette and stylish sportscars!