PLO Hand Selection: Your Key to Success

Pot-Limit Omaha is a game of "the nuts." Unlike Hold'em, where a second-best hand can often win, in PLO, you're usually aiming for the strongest possible hand. This makes hand selection absolutely crucial.

The Power of Connectedness

In PLO, having four cards means more combinations, and the value of your hand comes from its ability to connect with the board in multiple ways. Look for:

1. Suitedness: Double-suited hands (e.g., A♠ K♠ Q♥ J♥) are gold. Single-suited hands are good, but beware of only one suit.
2. Connectedness: Cards that are close together (e.g., 9-T-J-Q) give you more straight possibilities. Gapped hands lose significant value.
3. High Pairs: Aces and Kings are strong, especially when accompanied by other connected cards. AAxx is a premium starting hand.
4. No Danglers: A "dangler" is a card that doesn't connect to the other three. For example, A♠ K♠ 8♥ 2♦ – the 8 and 2 don't help much. Avoid these.

What Makes a Premium PLO Hand?

• Double-suited Aces: A♠ A♦ K♠ Q♦ - Very strong, offers nut flush and straight draws.
• Rundowns: T♠ 9♠ 8♥ 7♥ - Creates many straight possibilities.
• Premium Pairs with Connectors: K♠ K♦ J♠ T♦ - High pair with strong drawing potential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Playing Too Many Hands: Just because you have four cards doesn't mean every hand is playable.
• Overvaluing Single Pairs: A pair of Aces is great, but AAxx with disconnected, unsuited side cards quickly loses value if you don't hit.
• Playing "Wrapped" Draws Incorrectly: Know the difference between a nut wrap and a small wrap.