What is Pot Limit Omaha (PLO)?

Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) is a popular, action-packed poker variant similar to Texas Hold’em but with key differences that increase hand strength and game volatility.

Each player is dealt four private cards (“hole cards”) instead of two. There are five community cards placed face-up on the table that everyone can use to build their best five-card hand.

“Pot Limit” means the maximum amount you can bet or raise is the size of the current pot. You cannot bet any amount like in No Limit Hold’em.

The objective is to win chips by having the best five-card hand at showdown or by making other players fold.

How to Play Pot Limit Omaha

Blinds

Two players post forced bets to build the pot:

  • Small Blind
  • Big Blind

These forced bets create initial action in every hand.

Dealing Hole Cards

Each player receives four private cards face down (only you can see them).

First Betting Round (Pre-Flop)

Starting with the player to the left of the Big Blind:

  • You can fold (throw away your cards),
  • Call (match the Big Blind),
  • Raise (but only up to the size of the pot).

The pot limit rule restricts the maximum bet/raise to the size of the pot, creating structured but sizable pots.

The Flop

The dealer places three community cards face up on the table. These are shared cards for all players to use.

A second betting round starts with the player to the left of the dealer.

The Turn

A fourth community card is dealt face up on the table.

Another betting round follows with pot limit rules.

The River

The fifth and final community card is dealt face up on the table.

The final betting round occurs under pot limit rules.

The Showdown

If multiple players remain after the final betting round, all players reveal their hole cards.

The best five-card hand wins the pot, using the specific PLO hand-building rule:

  • In Omaha, you must use exactly TWO of your four hole cards and exactly THREE of the five community cards to form your five-card hand.

This is a critical difference from Hold’em, where you can use any combination of cards.

How Do You Form a Hand?

✅ You must use exactly 2 of your 4 private cards.

✅ You must use exactly 3 of the 5 community cards.

For example:

  • If the board shows A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 5♣,
  • Your hand includes 10♠ 2♠ 9♣ 9♦,
  • You can use 10♠ 2♠ (hole cards) + A♠ K♠ Q♠ (board) to form a Royal Flush.

Example of a Hand Played Out:

  1. Blinds are posted.
  2. You receive A♣ A♦ K♣ Q♦.
  3. You raise pre-flop within the pot limit rules.
  4. The flop comes J♣ 10♣ 5♥.
    • You have a straight draw (need a Q for a straight) and a flush draw (need any club).
  5. You bet within the pot limit or check depending on your strategy.
  6. The turn comes 2♣.
    • You now have the nut flush with A♣ K♣ + J♣ 10♣ 2♣.
  7. You bet to build the pot while protecting your strong hand.
  8. The river comes 7♦.
    • The board does not pair, so your flush is still likely best.
  9. Final betting round.
  10. If called, you reveal your nut flush, likely winning the pot unless an opponent has a straight flush.

Key Features of PLO

  • Four hole cards: Gives you more hand possibilities but also your opponents more ways to beat you.
  • Pot Limit structure: Controls bet sizes while still allowing large pots to build.
  • Must use exactly 2 hole cards + 3 community cards: Critical for hand reading and avoiding mistakes.
  • Action-heavy: Because players have more drawing opportunities, pots grow quickly, and hand values are often higher than in Hold’em.