Omaha Equals Action
Omaha is an action game that tends to create big pots, which is why it may appeal to Texas holdem players. The reason for this is that with each player receiving four cards, it is very likely that the flop hit at least part of many players’ hands. In Texas holdem, if five players see a flop of 8h 3h Tc, it’s possible that someone hit a flush draw and there’s a fair chance that there is a pair out there, but it’s just as likely that the flop missed everybody. In a full Omaha game, most of the cards are in the players’ hands. It is a virtual certainty that a flush draw and at least top pair, if not two pair, a straight draw or a set are out there against you. For this reason, the strength of hand you need to win is much greater than in Texas holdem.

Flopping Three Pair
At first glance, a three pair flop may seem great for you. After all, if two pair is good, three pair is better right? Well, yes and no. First of all, in Omaha, two pair is usually not good. Remember that due to all the cards out, you usually need a set, at minimum, to win. If you go to the river with only two pair, you are probably behind, but if there has been little or no action, you may have a chance. Secondly, your three pair really is only two pair, since you can only use two of the cards in your hand.

Handling Three Pair
Three pair is actually better than two pair only in that the value of two pair in Omaha poker is that it can become a full house, and with a third pair, your chances of filling up are that much better. For example, you hold Ks Ts 9h 7c. The flop comes Td 9d 7s. You now have three pair, although if you showed this hand down you would really only have two pair, tens and nines.

However, taking this hand to the river without improving would almost surely be a loss. It is possible that another player has a straight already, and if not, they have a tremendous draw to a straight or flush. It will be very difficult for you to dodge every draw card out there and survive with your two pair. Your value is in the fact that if the board pairs, you have a full house.

If you flopped only two pair, for example, the board is Td 9d 4s, another 4 would not help you, and would in fact hurt you if another player had a 4 in their hand.

Betting Three Pair
In limit Omaha poker games, it is okay to call one bet with this hand and see the turn card. However, if you do not improve and there is betting, you should usually fold. Keep in mind that even if you make your full house you may lose. In the previous hand, if the turn is a 7 and the river is a Q, your sevens full of tens will still lose to QQ, TT, 99 and Q7.

Unlikely in holdem, but more common than you might think in Omaha poker. In a pot-limit Omaha game, you may want to make a pot-sized bet on the flop to represent strength and make draws pay. However, if you are reraised or called and do not improve on the turn, you should look to abandon the hand.

A Final Note:  These comments assume you are playing a full game with many players seeing the flop.  If you see a flop of three pair with only one or two opponents, the top two pair is much more likely to be good and you should proceed accordingly.