Learning new games

[Giovanni31]

I agree with Bobcat83, seven card stud is simple and it can be extremely entertaining.

[cryptkeeper5]

I am interested in branching out from just Texas Hold'em but I don't know how to play any of the other games. Which of the other styles is easy to learn and the most rewarding?

[GambleGuy]

I am interested in branching out from just Texas Hold'em but I don't know how to play any of the other games. Which of the other styles is easy to learn and the most rewarding?

Though I've never tried it, I have heard that Omaha is pretty good and isn't too much harder than Holdem.

The site has some basic rules on all kinds of poker that I've read for Texas Holdem at least....here's the link...

Poker Rules (http://www.hollywoodpoker.com/help/PokerSchool.html)

[bobcat83]

Both Omaha and 7 card stud are not that difficult to learn. In fact many of the worlds best poker players only play 7 card stud, it just doesnt get the mainstream exposure.

either 7 card or Omaha would be fine for you, just stay away from the hi/low versions until you are comfortable with your new game.

Bob the...

[Rack_of_Red]

Biggest thing to remember about Omaha is that whatever the nut hand is come the river, most of the time somebody has it.

[fish2fry]

i found 7 card stud exciting at first...until texas hold'em no limit came onto the Spotlight!

[TechManPKR]

I wrote this a while back - though I would share it here..

Summary Rules...

Only play a pot on Omaha h/l - call the the blinds if:

1. You have 3 different cards 5 and below. 22 44 does not count.

2 You have 4 cards 10 and above with at least one K high Flush draw.

When flop hits fold unless you have the following:

1. You are 4 to a nut flush Draw
2. You are 4 to a nut straight
3. You are 4 to the nut low
4. You have the Top Set

Caution you have A 2 and 2 cards 9 or better. Flop is 4 6 9 and there is heavy betting - if and A or 2 hit on the turn or river you low is gone proceed with caution.

Explanations of why or below - but those rules will help while learn the game and protect your bankroll.

GL

TechMan
Omaha H/L for New Players (Scoop!)
This is the most complex of all poker games! I have struggled trying To teach it to several players - part of the problem is that it looks simple - looks like Hold'em, but you get 4 cards and the low hand splits - how hard can it be?? Then after losing a big chunk of cash or play chips give up.

But nearly every one tries - why?? Because they start looking at table
Stats and see the average pot size in Omaha h/l being 2 or 3 times larger than a Hold'em Table with the same stakes. The one thing people here and remember is "You do not need as much of a stake to play Omaha H/L" - True, but only if you know the survival skills required and this is a Survival only - there are book on the subject, but if you follow this you can play,learn and make money - not lose it.

First of all think of the game as SCOOP - in you mind do not call it
Omaha call it "Scoop".
To "Scoop" a pot you need to either win both the high and low hand or
Win the high when there is now low possibility. Keep that concept in mind going forward.

1. You Need to use 2 (two) cards from you hand for the high and low - this is not Hold'em, there is NO chance to get a Flush without two cards of that suit in your hand..This is hard for new players to grasp – 2 and only 2 cards.

2. For there to be a low hand – there has got to be 3 different cards 8 and below for there to be a low hand. K 2 2 3 3 on the board and there is No low hand.

3. Starting Hands:
Low with high
A234, The Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel Str.
AA23, One Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel Str, or Aces full or Trips
AK23 Ace and/or K should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel STR or Nut STR
AK24 Ace and/or K should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel STR or Nut STR
AQ 2-5 Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel STR or Nut STR
AJ 2-5 Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel STR or Nut STR
A10 2-5 Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel STR or Nut STR
A23X - The Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel Str.
A 2-3 with any pair - The Ace should be suited with another card for a nut Flush Draw and Wheel Str and a Trips or FH possibility
23 4-8 is playable but if no A is on board – be careful – probably playing for ½ the pot!!

High Hand Starters – 4 cards A-10 with at least 1 nut flush draw.

4. If after the flop, you are NOT 4 to a NUT high and/or Low fold to any betting.

5. Bluffing almost never works in Omaha – save your chips.

6. Study the board, odds or if there is a Flush Possibility someone has it, if the board pairs – someone probably has a full house – everyone has 9 cards to work with – if it is possible for someone to have the nuts – it probably is in some ones hand.

7. The ignorant end of a strait is the fools end in “Scoop” muck it fast!!

After studying the starting hands and post flop play – you will be in few hands, and drop out of most you start at the flop, but if you follow the rules, you will win monster pots and only INVEST chips in pots worth being in!!


TechMan
(Timbocroz)

[PokerGTA.com]

Nice summary! You have hit the main points. Like any card game a lot more can be said but you have covered what you need to know.

[GrdnWnThe500]

good summary couldnt have said it better myself :waytogo:

[TechManPKR]

Wanted to add a little substance, glad it was well recieved...

Thank You!

[967andy]

I have been trying to learn Omaha hi/low and have struggled trying to find some starting hands requirements.

can you recommend a good poker book or website for an introduction to Omaha?

[GammonJudge]

5. Bluffing almost never works in Omaha – save your chips.


Totally ignorant thing to say and holds untrue to the wazoo.

The fact is that omaha is a great game for bluffing.
Position is the key and minimizing and maximizing bets to your draws.

Everything else you stated sounded cool

[code_wizard]

5. Bluffing almost never works in Omaha – save your chips.

Totally ignorant thing to say and holds untrue to the wazoo.

The fact is that omaha is a great game for bluffing.
Position is the key and minimizing and maximizing bets to your draws.


Actually you are quite wrong.

The only time bluffing works is when you are playing against very good players. Works better in Pot Limit - High. Rarely if ever works in Limit.

In O8B bluffing is suicide at the lower limits, and not a smart play at higher limits. In Limit Omaha as in Stud, you generally have to call the river if you have anything and are heads up.

Bluffing is not a sound strategy in Omaha at lower levels, no matter the flavor.

Value betting in limit, and hand protection in PLO are better strategies.

[littleheaven]

I've never played Omaha, but it sounds like it would be hard to bluff with so many cards out there ..

How many decks are used on a table?

[GoldBoar]

One deck is used in Omaha.