Some Tips for Poker

Betting in Five Card Draw

Traditionalists believe that to open the poker betting in five-card draw a player should have at least a four-card flush, four-card straight, or a high pair. However, if betting is light and you are holding a small pair, a medium pair, or even two high cards, you might want to stay in for the next round. (A high pair is generally a pair of Jacks or higher; a pair of 7s, 8s, 9s or l0s would be considered a medium pair; and a pair of 6s or less is a small pair).
If the betting is high in the opening round and you are not holding at least a pair, there is a good chance that at least one player has at least a high pair. This is particularly true with more players at the table. However, if players are betting high in the opening round, it indicates strength, regardless of the number of players. Your chances of drawing a hand to beat them are slim, so consider folding (or bluffing) rather than chasing stud cards in the hopes of improving your hand. You might get lucky on the draw, but, in the long run, you will save a lot of money by getting out when you should.

Raising or Opening Larger Bet

If you are dealt a strong hand a high three of a kind or better hold off on raising or opening with a large bet: You do not want to scare off any potential bettors. With a strong hand advice, play it cool in the opening round and just call bets. In some cases, a raise might work if another Omaha player has already raised the opening bet. However, if you have a high pair, consider making a fairly high bet. This is a strong hand but certainly not unbeatable. By betting high you might drive out some players and improve your chances of winning the pot.
It might seem obvious, but to improve your hand on the draw, you need something to draw to. So if you are holding a pair of Kings, keep them and draw three new cards. Players who keep their pair and draw three new cards have a 1 in 3.48 chance of improving their hand. In general, it is smarter to build on what you have, rather than chase a possible hand. For instance, if you are dealt 8-9-1O-J-J, do not break up the pair of Jacks in the hopes of drawing to a straight.

Drawing to Straight Flush

Drawing to a four-flush or a four-straight can pay off. However, going after an inside straight or a three- straight (three cards in sequence) or three-flush (three suited cards) is risky at best. Smart players do not even try. Drawing to an inside straight has very little chance of success and is a common novice mistake. Most professional players will tell you never draw to an inside straight.
During the draw, keep a close eye on how many poker room cards other players draw. By noting their draw, you will gain some insight into the strength of their hands. In general, if they draw three cards, they are probably holding a pair. If they draw two, they have three of a kind or are foolishly going after a straight or a flush. If they draw one card, they might have two pairs or they may be trying to draw a straight or flush. Players can also stand pat (not draw any cards). This means they are holding a good hand, perhaps a full house, straight, or flush. Or they may be bluffing.