Omaha Hi Poker: Starting Hand Strategy

Believe it or not, starting hand strategy in Omaha Hi
poker is just as important, if not more important, than it is in Texas
Holdem poker. Too many people fall into the trap of thinking that since they
are dealt 4 hole cards, they are basically playing two Texas Holdem hands at
the same time. This is the wrong way to look at it, and in the long run, it
will cost you a lot of money.

The best way to look at your Omaha Hi hand is as 4 cards together. There is
no reason to break it into two 2 card hands. Yes, you only get to play 2
cards from your hand at the showdown, but all 4 cards make a difference. If
you have a pair of aces, a 3 and a 7, your hand is not that strong. You
shouldn’t think of it the same way as if you got dealt two pocket aces in
another online poker game.

One of the main reasons this is important is because it takes a lot higher
winning hand on average to win a pot in Omaha hi. In Texas Holdem, if you
hold top pair, top kicker, you are in pretty good shape. There is a good
chance you will win the pot. But, in Omaha Hi, that hand is not very good,
and many players would throw that hand away without thinking twice. However,
if you get caught up in Texas Holdem habits, you fall into the trap of over
valuing your cards.

Starting hands are extremely important in Omaha Hi and obviously need your
careful consideration. Why not start playing online and practice your starting hands against real
players. That is the best way to improve your game!