How to Play Courchevel Poker: Rules, Strategy, and Tips for Success
Introduction: Why Courchevel Poker Deserves Your Attention
If you’re obsessed with Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) and always on the hunt for new poker variants, Courchevel Poker is about to become your next addiction. This wild, action-packed game takes everything you love about Omaha and cranks up the excitement with a twist that changes every hand before the flop. Whether you’re a micro-stakes grinder, a PLO regular, or a Hold’em convert looking for something fresh, this guide will walk you through Courchevel Poker rules, strategy, and everything you need to crush your next session.
Check out the best Omaha Poker sites:
WPT Global
Free Tournament tickets up to $480
Free Casino Coin up to $100
30% Rakeback
Network: Independent
Phenom Poker
up to 35% Rakeback
Soft Action
Network: Independent
Juicy Stakes Poker
36% Rakeback
Spin & Gos with up to 12,000x your Buy-in
Network: Horizon Poker
Champion Poker
Network: iPoker
What is Courchevel Poker? (And How Is It Different from Omaha?)
Courchevel Poker is a five-card Omaha variant that’s gaining traction both online and in live rooms. The big twist? The first community card (the “door card”) is dealt face up before the first betting round. This single change transforms pre-flop strategy, hand selection, and the entire dynamic of the game.
Quick overview:
- Five hole cards per player (like Omaha Hi/5-Card PLO)
- Door card: The first flop card is revealed before pre-flop betting
- Pot Limit is the most common betting structure, but you’ll also find Fixed Limit and No Limit games
If you’re used to PLO or even 5-Card Omaha, Courchevel feels familiar but demands a new level of adaptability and creativity.
Courchevel Poker Rules: The Basics You Need to Know
Let’s break down the essentials:
- Players: 2-6 per table
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck
- Blinds: Small blind and big blind, just like PLO
- Hole Cards: Each player gets five cards face down
- Door Card: The first flop card is dealt face up before the first betting round
- Betting Structure: Most games are Pot Limit, but Fixed and No Limit exist
- Community Cards: Five total (flop, turn, river)
- Hand Requirement: You must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards to make your hand
For a quick refresher on Omaha basics, check out How to Play Pot Limit Omaha.
Step-by-Step Gameplay: How a Hand of Courchevel Unfolds
Here’s how a typical hand unfolds:
- Blinds are posted.
- Each player receives five hole cards.
- The door card (first flop card) is dealt face up.
- First betting round (pre-flop) begins, starting with the player left of the big blind.
- The remaining two flop cards are dealt face up, completing the flop.
- Second betting round.
- Turn card is dealt face up.
- Third betting round.
- River card is dealt face up.
- Final betting round.
- Showdown: Best five-card hand wins, using exactly two hole cards and three community cards .
Hand Rankings in Courchevel Poker
Hand rankings are identical to standard Omaha and Hold’em:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
The Door Card: How It Changes Everything
The door card is the heart of Courchevel’s madness. Seeing one flop card before any betting means:
- You instantly know one-fifth of the board.
- Set-mining becomes more precise: If you hold a pocket pair matching the door card, you’re already ahead of the curve.
- Board texture is partially revealed: You can better estimate the likelihood of flushes, straights, and draws.
Betting Rounds and Pot Limit Structure
Courchevel is usually played as Pot Limit, which means:
- Maximum bet is the size of the pot at any time.
- Four betting rounds: Pre-flop (after the door card), flop, turn, river.
- Action is fast and aggressive, especially with the extra information from the door card.
If you’re new to pot limit betting, check out PLO Betting Rules Guide.
Courchevel Hi-Lo: The Split-Pot Variant
Courchevel Hi-Lo (also called Courchevel 8 or Better) splits the pot between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand (8-high or lower):
- Same rules as regular Courchevel, but with split pots
- Low hand must be five cards, 8 or lower, with no pairs
- Strategy shifts: You want hands that can scoop both high and low pots
If you love Omaha Hi-Lo, you’ll find Courchevel Hi-Lo even more dynamic.
Courchevel Poker Strategy: Core Concepts for Success
Starting Hand Selection
- Premium hands: Double-suited, connected, and high pairs are gold—especially if they interact with the door card.
- Avoid trash: Five random cards with no coordination are even worse in Courchevel than in PLO.
Playing for the Nuts
- Second-best hands lose big: With five hole cards and a revealed door card, nut hands are even more important.
- Draws: Focus on nut flush and straight draws, not weak draws.
Board Texture and Multi-Way Pots
- Door card creates action: Expect more multi-way pots and wild swings.
- Adjust to the board: If the door card is an ace, expect lots of action and strong hands at showdown.
Aggression vs. Caution
Build pots with strong draws and made hands. Control the pot with marginal holdings. For more on PLO-style strategy, see PLO Strategy Guide.
Improve your PLO and Courchevel skills with PLO Mastermind, the best Pot Limit Omaha training site:
Advanced Courchevel Poker Tips from the Pros
- Leverage the door card: If it matches your hand, play aggressively.
- Adjust to table dynamics: Tight tables reward aggression; loose tables require patience.
- Pot control: Don’t bloat the pot with marginal hands, especially out of position.
- Bluffing: Use blockers and board texture, but don’t overdo it—players call down lighter in Courchevel.
Common Mistakes in Courchevel Poker (and How to Avoid Them)
- Overvaluing weak draws: Five cards can trick you into chasing hopeless hands.
- Ignoring the door card: Always factor it into your pre-flop and post-flop decisions.
- Playing too many hands: Discipline is even more important with five hole cards.
- Forgetting Hi-Lo dynamics: In split-pot games, always play for both sides of the pot.
For more on managing swings, see Best Pot Limit Omaha Bankroll Management Strategies.
Courchevel Poker Online: Where to Play and What to Expect
You’ll find Courchevel Poker online at sites like SWC Poker, and select European rooms.
- Game selection: Mostly Pot Limit, with some Hi-Lo and Fixed Limit options.
- Player pools: Smaller than PLO, but action is wild and games are soft.
- Bankroll tips: Start at micro stakes to get a feel for the swings.
Check out Best Pot Limit Omaha Sites for up-to-date site recommendations.
Tools, Training, and Resources for Courchevel Poker
- Training sites: PLO Mastermind
- Poker tools: PLOGenius, DriveHUD, Jurojin
- Community: Forums like GipsyTeam, OmahaPlanet, and VIP-Grinders for hand reviews and discussion
Transitioning from PLO or NLHE to Courchevel: What You Need to Know
- PLO players: You’ll love the action, but need to adjust for the door card and five hole cards.
- NLHE converts: Be ready for more draws, more action, and more variance.
- Bankroll management: Swings are bigger—keep your buy-ins conservative.
For a deeper dive, see Transitioning from Hold’em to PLO Strategy Guide.
Conclusion: Why Courchevel Poker Belongs in Your Rotation
Courchevel Poker is the perfect blend of chaos and skill. The door card twist makes every hand a puzzle, and the five-card dynamic rewards creativity and discipline. If you’re bored with Hold’em or want to push your PLO skills further, Courchevel is a must-try. Start at low stakes, study the strategy, and get ready for some of the wildest pots you’ve ever played.
Key Takeaways
- Courchevel Poker is a five-card Omaha variant with a revealed door card before pre-flop betting.
- You must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards.
- The door card changes pre-flop strategy and increases action.
- Nut hands and strong draws are even more important than in PLO.
- Start at micro stakes online to learn the swings and dynamics.
- Use training tools and community resources to accelerate your learning.
- Courchevel Hi-Lo adds a split-pot twist for even more action.
- Bankroll management is critical due to increased variance.
- The best players adapt quickly to the door card and table dynamics.
- Courchevel is available at major online poker sites and select live rooms.
FAQs
Courchevel is a five-card Omaha variant where the first flop card (door card) is revealed before pre-flop betting, adding a new layer of strategy.
Each player gets five hole cards, the door card is revealed, and you must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards to make your hand.
It gives you extra information before betting, making set-mining and board reading more precise.
Sites like PokerStars, SWC Poker, and some European rooms offer Courchevel games.
Double-suited, connected hands with high pairs—especially those matching the door card.
Tighten up your starting hand selection, pay close attention to the door card, and expect bigger swings.
Yes, Courchevel Hi-Lo (8 or Better) is a popular split-pot variant.
Overplaying weak draws, ignoring the door card, and playing too many hands.
Practice strict bankroll management and start at lower stakes.
Yes—use solvers, HUDs, and training sites like PLO Mastermind, Run It Once, and Upswing Poker.
Ready to jump into the action? Courchevel Poker is waiting—bring your A-game, your discipline, and your love for wild Omaha action.
