There have been many poker variants, but only a few have been able to rise to the top. One is the Big O, a fun variant of traditional Omaha poker, which has become increasingly popular. In the Big O poker variant, the dealer deals players five cards rather than the usual four cards in Omaha or two in Hold’em. The extra card adds complexity to the game and increases the possibility of having a stronger or weaker hand.
In this casino news, we’ll look into this Omaha variant—Big O Poker, its history, and it’s name.
The Big O Poker Game: Five Cards, Twice the Action!
The precise origin of Big O Poker is sometimes difficult to pinpoint. However, it began to make waves in various card rooms of Southern California in 2008. Players are particularly drawn to this variant of Omaha poker casino games mostly because it uses five rather than four cards.
Players attribute Omaha’s origins to Texas Hold’em and note its immense following in the early 1980s. The game’s appeal lies in its high-stakes action and the challenge it presents to players, including those who love Jokers Wild games. In Omaha, a player forms his best hand by using all four of his whole cards: two hole cards at showdown and two of its board cards.
Over time, as Omaha grew in popularity, players began experimenting with new variations that would add intensity to the game, both live and in online casino games. Adding another hole card to the hand gave birth to the variant Big O Poker. In Big O, you need to form your best five-card poker hand using two cards (hole) and three board cards.
The likelihood of a stronger hand is particularly possible, and seasoned players who are used to playing diverse versions of poker could take it to their advantage. In Big O, the additional card is more than just something extra. It increases the possibility of making a much better hand—two pairs, as seen in Omaha, may not be good enough to win, and even three of a kind might not cut it.
Today, the game is now played in tournaments and has attracted players who use the all in poker strategy to its tables.
Why Do People Call it “Big O”?
One of the poker fun facts behind the Big O poker game is that the term Big O can sometimes be called Big Omaha because it follows the same rules as Omaha. The only difference is the inclusion of another hole card, hence the name.
Secondly, if you read out the full name of “5 Card Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better,” you’d realize that it’s too wordy, much of a mouthful, making Big O a simple shorthand to pronounce. The game’s name helps it stand out among variants like Tens or Better video poker games.
Gameplay Mechanics of the Big O Poker Game
Big O Poker follows the same gameplay mechanics as Omaha Hi-Lo. As stated earlier, the only added twist is the introduction of the fifth card. It uses a standard 52-card deck.
The betting rounds and gaming progression are similar to Omaha, with players having the option to check, bet, raise, or fold based on their hand strength and position at the table. The fifth card increases the possibility of showing two cards at a showdown from 6 – 10.
Furthermore, players can play the game following different betting structures, such as a pot limit or no limit. Players can also play it as a hi-lo split game, where they must divide the pot between the best high hand and the best low hand if there is a qualifying one. In this aspect, the game resembles eights and better; a player must have eight or lower to qualify to win the low half of the pot.
If you want a game you can play for a long time with small bets, check out the Tens or Better video poker game. Or check out our casino guide if you wish to learn more about the Omaha poker variants.
Five Cards, Infinite Possibilities
Players consider Big O Poker a dynamic variant of traditional Omaha, characterized by a larger starting hand size, increased action, and strategic gameplay. With its unique features and betting style, Big O Poker continues to captivate players worldwide.
Visit Vegas Aces casino to play free poker online to experience the fun and challenging side of the table game.
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