Understanding the Hands in Pot Limit Omaha

A lot of the mistakes that new players make in Pot Limit Omaha stems from their misreading of the values of the hands they are holding. A lot of players tend to play the same hands they use in other Poker games (i.e., No Limit). This can be disastrous especially in money games,

Therefore, it is important that you understand the value of the most frequently used hand combinations in Pot Limit Omaha. The most common mistake by both online and land based Poker players is over playing two pairs like 55 and 66, because they are playable in No Limit and Limit Holdem.

The problem is that a two pair, top and or bottom pair can easily be beaten by a low or high straight. If the flop shows a possible flush, then you are in deep trouble in Pot Limit Omaha. However, you should also consider how your opponent reacts to the flop. If he calls, chances are he needs to draw to make a hand. You can bet with your pair, but even then there is a risk.

In Pot Limit Omaha you can get a full house if you hold the pair, but the value of that hand should be considered. If it low, then your full house can be beaten by the same combination, only much higher.

As for sets, the only time you should go for them is when you have the top set. A low pair (i.e., 66) coupled with another one on the board will give three of a kind, but that is a very low card, and can easily be overcome in Omaha. A top set can improve to four of a kind if you are lucky, but if that happens, it can still be susceptible to a flush.

However, the fewer the players remaining, the stronger the combination becomes. If you have a top set in Omaha with only three players or less left, then you have a good chance of taking down the pot.

Straights in Pot Limit Omaha come in many forms, but the best ones should include face cards (i.e., Q,J,T and 9 or K,Q,J,T). if these cards are suited, then so much the better. Having as many of these in your stating hands as possible is important, as it increases the chances of your holding the nuts before the turn.

The flush is something that you can work on if you have a suited pair, preferably Aces or face cards. A double suited starting hand in Pot Limit Omaha increases your chances of catching it by the turn or river. Again, unlike in No Limit, you need the highest values possible in order to win.

The hand combinations that you need to win in Pot Limit Omaha are very different from those of Texas No Limit Holdem, which is what most gamblers are used to playing.

However, the period of adjustment can be shortened with practice, and soon you will be able to play and read the hands as well as any other.