PLO: Just Like a Slot Machine Only With Four Cards

Filed in archive Poker Strategies on December 9, 2007

If you want to gamble at the poker tables there's no better game then Pot Limit Omaha. I generally play the split version of the game, but once in a while I'll take my lumps at the PLO hi tables. Generally this is a game of draws and praying to the poker gods your hand either holds up or the draws come in.

At the base of the game, which is described by Full Tilt resident pro Brandon Adams, you want to always be drawing for the nuts (best hand possible). You make money when that King-high flush suddenly finds rubber cement on the back of his/her cards and can't release it versus your Ace-high flush.

Make no mistake about the turbulence your stomach and bankroll will go through while playing. As Adams correctly points out, beginning players tend to overplay Aces which can make them go running for their tinfoil hats when the draws come in against them. Click here for the entire link or read below for Adams' advice on playing those magic bullets:

Beginning players make this mistake more than any other in PLO. While Aces are a strong starting hand, too many players are unable to lay them down when the situation demands it. This is especially true for players moving into PLO from No-Limit Hold 'em, where Aces are worth much more before the flop. Don't be the player who blindly pushes their chips into the middle with two Aces hoping that they simply "hold up."

The main rationale for raising or re-raising with a hand that contains two Aces is that if you and your opponent both hit your hands, you will have hit yours harder. You figure to get all-in where you are a major favorite over your opponent, either with a higher set, a higher flush, or a higher straight.

It's also important to remember that if the flop doesn't improve your hand, it will very likely help your opponent. I don't recommend playing a big pot with one pair �' even if they are Aces �' in PLO.