Pot Limit Omaha vs. Split Limit Omaha

There is so much game specific lingo that gets tossed about when playing poker that it almost constitutes a translation book for folks who are new to the game. Some of the slang that is specific to Omaha Hold'em is Pot Limit, and Split Limit. Despite having the word "Limit" in common, the difference is actually big enough to almost define them as completely different games.

The basic rules of Omaha poker is that each player is dealt four cards, face down. Only two of these cards may be used in their final hand. Those two cards must be used in concert with three of the five community cards that have been dealt to the middle of the table. At this point the similarity between Pot Limit and Split Limit Omaha ends.

In Pot Limit Omaha player can bet or raise whatever amount there is sitting in the pot. The end result of this form of play is that the lion's share of the pot is built when the flop is dealt. As the pot grows bigger, the limit goes up, and more players choose to become a casualty of their risk tolerance with cards they feel are not up to the task of staying in the game. Those with strong hands can run up some truly scary bets and raises. In Split Limit Omaha there is a cap on bets and raises. In the first two rounds the cap may be $10, while in rounds 3 and 4 that limit may be $20.

This brand of Omaha encourages more loose play seeing as to stay in the hand, the investment isn't as much as it could be in Pot Limit Omaha.

Those who like one style or the other can give some very passionate arguments about the benefits of their preference, and how those who see things the other way are dead wrong. In the end there is no right or wrong, just find the type of Omaha that works for you. There are plenty to go around.

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