How to Play Courchevel Poker: Rules, Setup & How It Differs From PLO

    Courchevel is an exciting variant of Pot-Limit Omaha that adds two key twists: players are dealt five hole cards instead of four, and one flop card is revealed before the first round of betting. It’s a game of big hands, strong draws, and aggressive pots. If you already know how to play Omaha, learning Courchevel takes just a few minutes. This guide walks through the rules, structure, and how it compares to standard PLO.
    How to Play Courchevel Poker: Rules, Setup & How It Differs From PLO

    What Is Courchevel Poker?

    Courchevel is a five-card Omaha poker variant that uses a pot-limit or fixed-limit betting structure. Each player receives five hole cards, and one of the three flop cards is revealed before the first betting round begins. From there, the game follows the same format as Pot-Limit Omaha.
    Like in PLO, players must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards to make their best five-card hand.

    Basic Rules of Courchevel

    Game Format

    • 2 to 9 players
    • Each player is dealt 5 hole cards
    • The first flop card is revealed immediately after the deal
    • Pot-limit or fixed-limit betting
    • Best five-card high hand wins the pot
    • Played with blinds (small blind and big blind)

    Game Flow Step-by-Step

    1. Each player receives 5 hole cards
    2. The first flop card is revealed face-up
    3. First betting round begins (pre-flop betting with one board card visible)
    4. Two remaining flop cards are dealt (completing the flop)
    5. Second betting round
    6. Turn card is dealt
    7. Third betting round
    8. River card is dealt
    9. Final betting round
    10. Showdown: Best five-card high hand wins the pot

    Hole Card and Flop Mechanics

    Dealing Five Hole Cards

    Unlike PLO4, players get five hole cards in Courchevel. This increases possible combinations, draws, and post-flop action.

    Flop Reveal Before First Bet

    • One flop card is turned face-up immediately after the deal
    • Players then decide whether to play their hand before seeing the full flop
    • The other two flop cards are revealed after pre-flop betting is complete

    Why It Matters

    • You already have some board information pre-flop
    • Players can narrow their ranges and chase specific draws or blockers
    • Strong flop potential hands become more playable

    Hand Rankings in Courchevel

    Courchevel follows standard high-hand poker rankings, just like PLO and Hold’em. Players must use exactly two hole cards and three community cards.

    Poker Hands Ranked from Best to Worst


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    Valid Hand Example

    • Hole cards:A♠A♥K♠K♦9♠
    • Board:10♠J♠Q♠3♦5♣
    • Hand: K♠A♠+10♠J♠Q♠ = Royal Flush

    Reminder

    • You must use exactly two hole cards and three board cards
    • Not one, not three, not all five from your hand

    Betting Structure in Courchevel

    Pot-Limit Courchevel (Most Common)

    • Max bet or raise = size of the pot
    • Action escalates quickly due to strong pre-flop visibility
    • Standard for online games and live mixed formats

    Fixed-Limit Courchevel (Less Common)

    • Structured small and big bets
    • Used in limit-mixed games like H.O.R.S.E. rotations (occasionally)
    • Smaller swings, but slower gameplay

    Betting Rounds

    • Pre-flop (after one flop card is shown)
    • Flop (after the remaining two cards are dealt)
    • Turn
    • River

    Differences Between Courchevel and PLO

    Number of Hole Cards

    • Courchevel: 5 hole cards
    • PLO: 4 hole cards

    Pre-Flop Flop Card Reveal

    • Courchevel: 1 flop card shown before first betting round
    • PLO: All three flop cards dealt at once after pre-flop betting

    Strategy Implications (Rules Context)

    • More pre-flop information in Courchevel
    • Bigger hands more likely to connect with board
    • Players fold or commit faster based on the revealed flop card

    Where to Play Courchevel Poker Online

    Real Money Poker Sites

    • GGPoker – Courchevel offered in mixed-game events
    • PokerStars – Available in certain tournament rotations or home games
    • 888poker – Occasionally included in novelty formats
    • PPPoker / PokerBros – Often available in private clubs
    • CoinPoker – May offer Courchevel in crypto game lobbies

    Play Money and Club Games

    • Replay Poker – Limited Courchevel in custom home formats
    • Poker Now – Home games may support Courchevel rules
    • Live mixed game home games (especially in Europe or Vegas)

    Final Takeaway

    Courchevel is a powerful and exciting poker variant that blends the chaos of PLO with the planning of an early flop reveal. With five hole cards and more pre-flop information, it’s a game of explosive showdowns and calculated gambles. Once you understand the basic flow and the two-card rule, you're ready to join the action—online or at the mixed-game table.

    FAQs: Courchevel Poker Rules

    How many hole cards are dealt in Courchevel?

    Each player receives five private hole cards.

    When is the first flop card shown?

    Immediately after the deal, before pre-flop betting.

    Do I have to use two hole cards?

    Yes. Just like in Omaha, you must use exactly two hole cards and three board cards.

    Is Courchevel played high-only or split-pot?

    Courchevel is usually high-only. Courchevel Hi/Lo (split-pot) also exists and follows similar rules with added low-hand qualification.

    Is Courchevel fast or slow?

    It’s faster than standard Omaha due to early information, but slower than Hold’em due to larger pots and more cards.