When playing Ohama poker, strategizing is just as important as knowing how and when to bluff. Unlike other poker variants, Ohama immediately places four hole cards at your disposal, allowing every player greater possibilities to win.

Think in Three’s
When playing Ohama, it’s important to keep in mind the three best possible hands you can form with your cards. Don’t just stick with one alternative and forget all other combinations. The turn of the tide in Ohama is unpredictable, and each time a card is revealed on the board can drastically affect your hand.

By thinking in three’s, you can be more flexible in responding to any move your opponents make on the table.

Ohama is Not Texas Hold’em
Many players end up making costly mistakes simply because they assume that what’s good in Texas Hold’em would be just as great in Ohama. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A high pair may be enough in Texas Hold’em, but it’s certainly inadequate in Ohama. If you want to win, you should settle for at least a two pair by the time the flop’s revealed.

The Right Time to Raise
Raises are always critical points in the game. Whenever a player raises the bet, his opponents would wonder whether the player’s hand is as good as the action implies or it’s all just part of a bluff.

In terms of practicality, however, the worst time to raise the bet is prior to the flop. In fact, experts would only consider pre-flop raises a good move if your hole cards have Aces or Kings, giving you the power to cut down opposition.

The best time to raise the bet, on the other hand, is when you’re not in the position to post the blinds. In these instances, you should be assertive when you have a strong hand backing you up. You should also use raises to provoke those who are however in the position to post the blinds.

A Straight May Not Be Enough
Again, in other poker variants, getting a straight may mean hitting the jackpot, but it’s certainly not so in Ohama. If a straight is all you have up your sleeve and you weren’t able to get a rainbow – cards of different suits – by the flop, you might as well fold your hand or you’ll be taking quite a risk. But if you do get the right flop for your hand, use assertion and bluffing on the table by betting or raising the bet to discourage players from pursuing a flush.

Low Means Low
Low hands may create miracles in other poker variants, but they aren’t as potent when it comes to Ohama. Avoid overestimating the value of low pairs. If you’ve got a low pair, strategize with the assumption that it’s exactly as it is and nothing more than that.

Let Them Catch You On Purpose
Finally, act sneaky. It helps in any variant of poker, and Ohama’s no exception. Let them catch you bluffing once in a while to make your game less predictable. But of course, make sure that getting deliberately caught doesn’t reveal any critical aspect of your style of play.

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