4 Major Differences Between Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker That You Might Not Know

Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker are the most popular games of poker. Both card games belong to the same poker family. Both the games share equal levels of fun, thrill and enjoyment. They also have similar characteristics. The only difference between the two games is the amount of action that takes place during the game. Before taking upon the below points you should know how to play Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker. Although they are both card games, however, Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker involve different principles, methods and winning strategies.

Difference between Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker:

1. Based on The Number and Usage of Pocket Cards

The major difference between the two is the number of pocket cars or "hole" received by each player. Pocket cards are those that are dealt face down to each player at the beginning of the game. 

In Texas Holdem, a player gets 2 pocket cards while in Omaha Poker, a player receives 4 pocket cards.

In Texas Holdem, the player chooses whether to use one or both cards combined with community cards, whereas, in Omaha Poker, the player has to use exactly 2 pocket cards out of the 4 dealt in order to make a poker hand by combining the 2 pocket cards with 3 community cards.

2. Based on The Playing Strategy

After the cards are dealt, a round of betting starts where the players have to examine their cards to see if they have a playable hand. All the players have 3 options, they can: call the blind, raise it up or simply fold if they find their hand is not good enough.

After the 1st round of betting, "The Flop" takes place and 3 community cards are dealt face-up by the dealer. After the cards are dealt, another round of betting occurs and the "turn" card is dealt.

Next round of betting - "The River" takes place in which the final community card is dealt face-up by the dealer. 3 out of these 5 community cards can be used by all the players to make their poker hand.

Now, the final round of betting takes place where the player with the best 5 card hand wins the pot.

3. Based on Comparative Hand Strength

The difference in the number of pocket cards alters the game strategy of the two games.

Omaha Poker involves more of “three-of-a-kind”, “straight”, “flushes” and “full houses” because each player has 2 extra cards in their hands. As a result of which a "pair" is rarely winning a hand in Omaha Poker. Whereas in Texas Holdem, you have a fair chance if you have a "pair" or a "two pairs".

4. Based on Bluffing and Drawing

Although, it is not impossible, bluffing your opponent is much harder in Omaha because big winning hands occur frequently. Players are highly unlikely to "fold" in Omaha Poker as compared to Texas Holdem because they are given many outs to hit their hand. Omaha is usually considered more of a drawing game as there are so many outs to complete a hand.

5. Based on Bigger Pots

Since Omaha has bigger pots as each player receives 4 pocket cards to start the game, a large number of permutations and combinations encourage the players to stay in the game.

Summing-up

Both Texas Holdem & Omaha Poker are fast-paced games. Both are equally enjoyable and fun. You can not win every game. So, all you need is to choose the right poker table with stakes in your budget. It takes a cunning and sharp mind combined with the spice of courage to be a successful online poker player.