One of the more popular forms of poker is Omaha, which itself has several variations to its main central theme. Omaha Hi is almost synonymous with the straight version of Omaha and here we’ll see how its similarities make it the popular game amongst both newcomers and experts alike.

In a similar way to Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi makes use of community cards which each player around the table must include to make up the best hand. The difference with Omaha Hi is that each player gets four hole cards, also called pocket cards rather than the two dealt in Hold’em.

The game gets underway as players are dealt their hole cards and a round of betting ensues. Then the flop is dealt, which are the first three, face up, community cards to be placed in the centre of the table, or board as it is known. Another round of betting is followed by the fourth community card, called the Turn being dealt. More betting is followed by the fifth, or River card being dealt into the community cards. This is followed by the exciting showdown, where the last bets are placed before the hands are shown.

The Hi part of the name is derived from the simple premise of the game in which the highest hand produced from a combination of two hole and three community cards at the showdown wins the pot. Its winner takes all in this game which is what makes it so exciting.