Omaha Poker Hand Rankings
Short answer
Omaha uses the same hand rankings as Texas Hold'em. The difference: you must use exactly two of your four hole cards and exactly three of the five board cards.
The two-card rule in action
Board: A♥ K♥ 7♥ 4♣ 2♦. You hold Q♥ J♠ 9♣ 8♦. You have only one heart, and Omaha needs exactly two from your hand, so you do not have a flush. Your best hand is ace high.
Board
Your hand
Same trap with four of a suit on the board, or four to a straight: one matching card in your hand is not enough.
Common Omaha mistakes
- Counting a flush with one suited card.
- Playing the board. In Omaha you cannot, because you must use two hole cards.
- Holding three of a kind in your hand. You can only use two, so it plays as a pair.
Omaha hi-lo
In Omaha hi-lo (eight or better), the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand of five different cards 8 or lower. The best low is 5-4-3-2-A. If nobody qualifies for low, the high hand takes it all.
FAQ
Are Omaha hand rankings the same as Hold'em?
Yes. Only the rule about which cards you can use is different.
How many cards do you use in Omaha?
Exactly two from your hand and exactly three from the board.
Can you play the board in Omaha?
No. You must always use two of your hole cards.
What is PLO?
Pot-limit Omaha, the most common betting format for Omaha.