How to Play Texas Hold'em 

Welcome to Pot Limit Omaha (often abbreviated as PLO), one of the most thrilling and dynamic variations of poker! If you're new to the game, don't worry—we'll guide you through the basics. By the end of this overview, you'll understand how Pot Limit Omaha works and be ready to join a table with confidence.

 

Objective of the Game
The goal of Pot Limit Omaha is to win chips by forming the best possible five-card poker hand using exactly two of your four private cards (hole cards) and exactly three of the five community cards on the table. You win chips either by having the highest-ranking hand at showdown or by convincing other players to fold their hands.

 

Basic Setup

• Players: Pot Limit Omaha is typically played with 2 to 10 players.

• Deck: The game uses a standard 52-card deck without jokers.

• Chips: Players use chips to place bets during the game.

​

Understanding the Positions

• Dealer Button: A marker called the "dealer button" indicates which player is the nominal dealer for the current hand. The button moves one seat to the left after each hand.

• Blinds: The two players to the left of the dealer button post "blind" bets to initiate the betting:

  • Small Blind: Posted by the player immediately to the left of the dealer.

  • Big Blind: Posted by the player two seats to the left of the dealer, usually double the small blind.

​​

The Deal

• Starting Hands:Each player is dealt four private cards face down, known as "hole cards."

 

Betting Rounds

There are four betting rounds in Pot Limit Omaha:

• Pre-Flop

  • Action: Players look at their four hole cards and decide how to act.

  • Options:

    • Fold: Discard your hand and exit the current round.

    • Call: Match the current highest bet or the big blind.

    • Raise: Increase the bet amount, up to the size of the pot.

  • The Flop

    • Community Cards: The dealer places three cards face up in the center of the table, known as the "flop."

    • Action: Another round of betting begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer button.

    • Options: Players can check if no bets have been made, or they can bet, call, raise, or fold.

  • The Turn

    • Community Card: A fourth card, called the "turn," is placed face up on the table.

    • Action: A third round of betting occurs.

  • The River

    • Community Card: A fifth and final card, the "river," is placed face up.

    • Action: The final round of betting takes place.

 

Pot Limit Betting Explained

In Pot Limit Omaha, the maximum amount you can bet or raise is limited to the current size of the pot.

• Calculating the Pot:

  • The pot includes all bets made during the current hand, plus any bets you would need to call before raising.

• Example:

  • If the pot is $100 and no bets have been made in the current round, you can bet up to $100.

  • If someone bets $20 into a $100 pot, and you're next to act, the pot is now $120 (original $100 + $20 bet). You can call $20, making the pot $140, and then raise by up to $140, making your total action $160 ($20 call + $140 raise).

 

Betting Actions Explained

• Check: If no one has bet during the current round, you can choose to check, passing the action without betting any chips.

• Bet: Wager a certain amount of chips, up to the size of the pot.

• Call: Match the highest bet made during the current round.

• Raise: Increase the current highest bet, up to the maximum allowed.

• Fold: Discard your hand and forfeit any claim to the pot.

 

The Showdown

• When It Happens: If two or more players remain after the final betting round, a showdown occurs.

• Revealing Hands: Players reveal their hole cards to determine who has the highest-ranking hand.

• Determining the Winner: The player with the best five-card hand, using exactly two of their hole cards and exactly three of the community cards, wins the pot.

 

Important Rule: Using Exactly Two Hole Cards

This is a crucial difference between Pot Limit Omaha and Texas Hold'em.

• You Must Use Exactly Two Hole Cards:

  • No more, no less.

• Examples:

  • Flush Example:

    • Community Cards: A♥ K♥ Q♥ 9♠ 4♣

    • Your Hole Cards: J♥ 10♥ 5♠ 2♠

    • You have a flush because you can use J♥ and 10♥ from your hand and three hearts from the board.

  • Invalid Flush Example:

 

Game Flow Summary

1. Blinds are posted.

2. Each player is dealt four hole cards.

3. First betting round (Pre-Flop) begins.

4. The Flop is dealt (three community cards).

5. Second betting round occurs.

6. The Turn card is dealt (fourth community card).

7. Third betting round occurs.

8. The River card is dealt (fifth community card).

9. Final betting round occurs.

10. Showdown to determine the winner.

 

Basic Tips for Beginners

• Understand the "Two and Three" Rule:

  • Always remember you must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards.

• Starting Hands Are Key:

  • Look for hands where all four cards work together (e.g., connected cards, suited pairs).

• Be Cautious with Hands That Look Strong:

  • Hands that are strong in Texas Hold'em (like high pairs) may not be as strong in PLO.

• Expect Bigger Hands:

  • With more cards in play, it's common for winning hands to be very strong (e.g., straights, flushes, full houses).

• Manage Your Bankroll:

  • Pot limit betting can lead to large pots; be mindful of how much you're willing to risk.

 

Pot Limit Omaha vs. Texas Hold'em

• Number of Hole Cards:

  • PLO: Four hole cards (use exactly two).

  • Texas Hold'em: Two hole cards (use any number).

• Betting Structure:

  • PLO: Pot limit betting.

  • Texas Hold'em: Often played as no limit or limit.

• Hand Strength:

  • Winning hands in PLO tend to be stronger due to the increased number of card combinations.

 

Etiquette and Safety

• Play in Turn: Always wait for your turn to act.

• Clear Communication: Announce your intended action clearly to avoid confusion.

• Respect Others: Be courteous to fellow players and the dealer.

• No String Bets: In PLO, declare your total bet amount before placing chips to avoid illegal betting practices.

• ​

Ready to Give It a Try?

Now that you understand the basics of Pot Limit Omaha, you're prepared to join a game! Remember, PLO is a game of skill, strategy, and excitement. Start with low-stakes games to build your confidence and experience the thrill of this dynamic poker variant.