Omaha draws explained: wraps, nut draws and combo draws
In Omaha you hold four cards, so draws can be much bigger than in Hold’em. A wrap is a straight draw where your hole cards “wrap around” the board, giving 13, 17 or even 20 outs. Combined with flush draws, many PLO hands are favourites even against made hands. But only draws to the nuts are safe to play big.
What is a wrap?
Section titled “What is a wrap?”On a board of 8-7-2, a hand like 10-9-6-5 has straight cards on both sides of 8-7. Many turn cards complete a straight: that’s a wrap.
| Draw | Outs (approx.) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ended straight draw | 8 | 10-9 on 8-7-2 |
| 13-out wrap | 13 | J-10-9 on 8-7-2 |
| 20-out wrap | 20 | 10-9-6-5 on 8-7-2 |
| Nut flush draw | 9 | A♥ x♥ on two hearts |
17-out wraps also exist. Remember that in Omaha you must use exactly two hole cards, so count outs carefully. Exact counts depend on the board and on cards that pair the board.
Why nut draws matter
Section titled “Why nut draws matter”In Omaha, other players often hold the same draw but higher. A low straight or a king-high flush can hit and still lose. Prefer draws to the nuts: the highest straight and the ace-high flush. See the nuts.
Combo draws
Section titled “Combo draws”A wrap plus a flush draw can have 20+ outs and be a favourite against a set on the flop. These hands are great for semi-bluffing and getting all-in early. See semi-bluff.
How to play draws in PLO
Section titled “How to play draws in PLO”- Big nut draws: bet or raise; you have lots of equity.
- Non-nut draws: prefer calling small bets; avoid big pots.
- Count outs carefully: some outs may give an opponent a full house if the board pairs.
See PLO strategy, PLO starting hands and pot odds and outs.
What is a wrap in Omaha?
Section titled “What is a wrap in Omaha?”A straight draw where your hole cards surround the board cards, giving up to about 20 outs.
How many outs can a wrap have?
Section titled “How many outs can a wrap have?”Typically 13, 17 or 20, depending on the cards.
Why are nut draws important in Omaha?
Section titled “Why are nut draws important in Omaha?”Other players often hold the same draw but higher, so non-nut draws can hit and still lose.
Can a draw be a favourite against a set in PLO?
Section titled “Can a draw be a favourite against a set in PLO?”Yes, big combo draws with wraps and flush draws can be favourites on the flop.