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Pot-Limit Omaha: PLO Hand Strength

Hand strength in PLO is very different from Hold'em. What seems like a strong hand might be vulnerable.

Strong PLO Hands

  • A-A-K-K double suited: Premium starting hand
  • A-A-J-T double suited: High pairs with connectivity
  • K-Q-J-T: "Broadway" rundown
  • Nut flushes: Ace-high flushes are crucial
  • Top set: But vulnerable to draws

Dangerous PLO Situations

  • Small flushes: Often beaten by higher flushes
  • Bottom set: Vulnerable to higher sets
  • Single pair: Rarely wins at showdown
  • Straight without redraws: Can be counterfeited
  • Low two pair: Easily beaten

PLO Strategy Tip: In PLO, you want hands that can make the nuts (best possible hand). Second-best hands lose big pots in PLO because action is heavy when multiple players have strong draws.