Pot-limit Omaha is an exciting version of online poker that is growing in popularity. It is different from Texas Hold'em and more difficult to master, but those who can take out the time to learn the poker game rules stand a better chance of making a profit playing PLO poker. Here are some basic things you should know before you start to play poker online.
1. Don’t Overestimate Your Hand
Remember, the two additional pocket cards in PLO can strengthen the average hand as compared to Texas Hold'em, so don't assume that a hand that would be strong in Texas Hold'em will be as strong in Omaha. In addition, the value of a good hand is not as dominant in Omaha, that means your percentages are reduced. The strongest hand in PLO at the flop still only has a slight advantage over a set of four random cards. So, betting the minimum in order to stay in the hand is a common online poker strategy for PLO.
2. Don’t Be Fooled by Hole Card
Sequences Being dealt with what looks like the beginning of a straight may tempt you into betting more, but remember, you'll have to discard two of your pocket cards and it is unlikely that you'll have a winning hand by the river. The nature of this online poker game means that winning hands in PLO are often much stronger than in the Texas Hold'em variant.
3. Don’t Play Small Pairs
If you are dealt with a small pair, the chances are that your hand will fail at the flop. If you are lucky enough to draw a set, it is likely to get beaten by a stronger, much higher value hand. Low-value pairs are not something you want to get excited about in PLO.
4. Small Flushes are Easily Beaten
Any flush less than a queen high is likely to get beaten in a game with several opponents. Unless you have a nut flush, you should proceed carefully.
5. Your Discarded Hole Cards have an Effect on The Game
If you are dealt with two aces, a king, and a queen, you are most likely to play the aces. But, you also need to consider the fact that at least one king and one queen is out of the game. Therefore, your hand has more value than if you played two aces after being dealt two aces, a three, and a four.
Final Considerations
As you have probably gathered, PLO is an exciting variant of online poker games that creates big pots, sees players make big hands regularly. As great as this sounds, the big thing you need to consider while you are out to play poker online is that PLO requires a larger bankroll than most variants of online poker, mostly because of the closeness in the strength of hands both pre-flop and post-flop. So remember, when you run good in online poker, you usually run good, but the flip side is also true. So, learn the rules of poker games and its lingo before jumping into the ring.
