Omaha Poker is a fairly simple game to play once you get the hang of it. However, there are right and wrong ways to play Omaha poker if you really want to win. Most online poker strategies tell players various strategies for how to play Omaha poker. This article, however, is intended to teach less experienced players how not to play Omaha poker by pointing out common Omaha mistakes.

The most common Omaha mistakes refer to the player's starting hand selection. Players who started out in Texas Hold'em have a tendency to give high cards too much value in Omaha poker, with too little value given to lower cards that can work together. Q-Q-3-5, all different suits, for instance, is a poor Omaha poker starting hand, which should only be played if a Queen hits on the Flop.

A low hand of 3-4-5-6, or 2-3-5-6 even, gives a player a much higher chance of completing a low straight. This counts for high cards too, of course, but low hands should not be overlooked. A pair of Aces is a good Omaha poker hand pre-flop, and can be raised on to bluff opponents, but it is also the most frequently lost hand in Omaha poker when the flop doesn't provide another Ace.

Another common Omaha mistake made by novice players is only raising on high-pair hole cards. This is very predictable to more experienced players who will often call the raise to hit a draw on the flop in hopes of taking the raisers stack. Unfortunately for the inexperienced player, this usually works to the skilled player's advantage, and he knows it.

In any poker game, inexperienced players have a tendency to bluff too often. This common Omaha mistake can be detrimental because even more players are likely to call the bluff than in most poker variations. With 4 hole cards to each player, it is likely a few will have a strong enough pre-flop to encourage calling the raise. Don't get caught bluffing on a regular basis or your stack will suffer greatly and quickly.

Players who are experienced in Texas Hold'em, but not in Omaha, will quickly learn that playing the same stakes often means a much higher pot. Again, with 4 hole cards, there is less folding throughout the game, whereas Texas Hold'em often sees half or more of the opposition fold pre-flop. This creates larger pots and faster dwindling stacks. Don't make this common Omaha mistake. As a rule of thumb, Omaha poker should be played in half the stakes one would play Texas Hold'em.

The last common Omaha mistake is players who never fold the nuts. For example, you draw a straight on a 2-spade flop, having no spades yourself. One opponent raises, the next re-raises and yet another calls. You now have 3 opponents highly confident in their flush draw, trips drawing to 4 of a kind and/or a higher straight than your own. The chances of your hand besting in the showdown are slim to none. Fold the nuts and be patient for a better hand.