Omaha Poker Odds Calculator — How to Calculate Equity in PLO
Published on: July 2, 2026
Omaha Poker: The Basics
Omaha is one of the most popular poker variants after Texas Hold'em. The key difference? You get 4 hole cards instead of 2, and you must use exactly 2 from your hand and exactly 3 from the board.
This simple rule change has massive implications for hand values, equity calculations, and strategy.
The 2-from-Hand, 3-from-Board Rule
In Omaha, you cannot use 1 card from your hand and 4 from the board. You cannot use 3 from your hand and 2 from the board. Exactly 2 + exactly 3.
Example: Board is K♠ K♥ K♦ 7♣ 2♠. You hold A♠ A♥ 8♦ 5♣.
- ✅ Valid: Use A♠ A♥ (2 from hand) + K♠ K♥ K♦ (3 from board) = Full House, Aces full of Kings
- ❌ Invalid: Use A♠ (1 from hand) + K♠ K♥ K♦ 7♣ (4 from board) — not allowed
- ❌ Invalid: Use A♠ A♥ 8♦ (3 from hand) + K♠ K♥ (2 from board) — not allowed
This rule means that having 3 of a kind in your hand doesn't help you make a full house — you need at least a pair on the board.
How Omaha Odds Differ from Texas Hold'em
| Factor | Texas Hold'em | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Hole cards | 2 | 4 |
| Combinations to evaluate | C(5,2) = 10 | C(6,3) = 20 |
| Probability of flopping a flush draw | ~11% | ~24% |
| Probability of flopping an open-ended straight draw | ~10% | ~18% |
| Typical equity of pre-flop favorite | ~65-80% | ~55-65% |
| Variance | High | Very High |
The key takeaway: equities run much closer together in Omaha. A 65-35 coin flip in Texas Hold'em might be 55-45 in Omaha. This means:
- More hands are playable pre-flop
- Drawing hands are more valuable
- Pure bluffing is less effective (opponents have more equity)
The Best Omaha Starting Hands
Unlike Texas Hold'em where AA is a massive favorite, Omaha hands are ranked by coordination and suitedness:
- A♠ A♥ K♠ Q♥ — Double-suited, connected, top cards
- A♠ A♥ J♠ T♠ — Double-suited, one-gapper
- K♠ K♥ Q♠ J♠ — Double-suited, connected
- A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ — Single-suited, connected, top cards
- J♠ T♠ 9♠ 8♠ — Double-suited connectors
Key principle: A hand like A♠ A♥ 7♣ 2♦ is much weaker in Omaha than in Texas Hold'em. The 7 and 2 don't coordinate with the Aces and can't make strong hands.
Try It Now
Use our Omaha Poker Calculator to simulate PLO hands. Enter your 4-card hand and see your equity against different opponent ranges.
Related Tools & Resources
- Omaha Poker Calculator — PLO equity simulator
- Texas Hold'em Calculator — For comparison
- Poker Hand Rankings Explained — Hand hierarchy guide
- A Beginner's Guide to Pot Odds — Pot odds fundamentals
- Kelly Criterion Explained — Bankroll management