Hello,

My name is MegaWhale69. I have a solid background in NLHE, but am a fish in PLO. I am just starting my journey of learning basic PLO strategy and playing some microstakes on Ignition.

I'm planning to use this thread as a sort of blog to track my study, readings, and post some hand histories. I'm busy with school and work, but am hoping to post at least once a day.

The first book I'm reading is PLO: The Big Play Strategy by Jeff Hwang. My learning style is to summarize books into outline format, so it's easy to come back to and study in the future.

I just finished the first chapter, and wanted to post my outline. I don't think there's any copyright issue, because I am condensing/ summarizing the material. Anyone serious about PLO should buy the book because Jeff adds lots of explanations and examples that I'm leaving out.

I'm also very interested in joining PLO study groups. In particular, I learn the most by studying hand histories and thought-processes on each street.

My discord is megawhale69

Chapter 1: The Big Play Objectives

The difference between a good and great player is much smaller than the difference between a good and bad player.

Our goal is to hit: (1) The Nut Straight Freeroll; (2) The Nut Full House Freeroll; (3) Overfull vs Underfull; (4) Set over Set; (5) Flush over Flush; (6) Top Set Plus Draws; and (7) Dominating Draws.

(1) The Nut Straight Freeroll

Many big pots in PLO involve one or more players with a big straight draw or two players holding the same straight.

Nut straight + FD + BDFD + straight redraws + pair/ set is much stronger than just the nut straight.

We don’t want just the nut straight; we also want redraws. Proceed with caution when playing deep, especially on two-flush boards. (Unless you have a set for a full house redraw).

You should often just call, or even fold to a raise.

(2) The Nut Full House Freeroll

For example, if the board is QQJ, you would much rather have AKQJ than QJT9, because any A or K gives you a higher full house.

Bigger cards are inherently stronger than smaller ones.

(3) Overfull vs Underfull

Overfull is one of the most profitable hands in PLO, while underfull can be one the most expensive ones.

Two common situations:

(a) Pair on top: On 998 Board, Overfull is 98xx while Underfull is 88xx.

(b) Pair on bottom: On 988 Board, Overfull is 99xx while Underfull is 98xx.

Underfull usually wins a small pot or loses a big one.

(4) Set over Set

Middle and bottom set are often overplayed.

Even top set is only a small favorite or underdog against a strong draw.

Likewise, middle/ bottom set are often small favorites against big draws or major underdogs against bigger sets.

It starts preflop: Avoid playing small pairs.

Note: 77 is the smallest pair that can flop top set without a possible straight being present.

(5) Flush over Flush

It’s rare to stack your opponent flush-over-flush. Having an A blocker on a 3-flush board is a major advantage. Against major aggression, the second-nut flush is just a bluff-catcher.

(6) Top Set Plus Draws

Usually, if you flop top set and get significant action, you’re more likely up against a big draw than a smaller set.

A bare set is a 5:4 favorite against a 13-card straight draw. However, if the 13-card straight draw also has a FD and BDFD, the bare set is a small underdog.

Note: A set with the NFD is a favorite against even the strongest draws.

Therefore, while A2ss99 is less likely to connect with the flop than QJT9$ds, it’s still strong because it can flop top set + NFD.

Preflop, we want Pair + suited A or Pair + connectivity.

(7) Dominating Draws

It’s rare to win a big pot with flopped nuts vs flopped 2nd nuts. Most big pots involve draws.

Three situations:

(a) Dominating Draw vs Non-Nut Draw. Weak players make two mistakes. First, they pay to draw with weak hands. And second, they pay off big bets when their non-nut draw hits.

Dominating draw can win a small pot when Villain misses their draw and folds, or a big pot when Villain hits their draw and pays off a big bet.

(b) Freeroll on the Come. A straight/ straight draw is significantly weaker on a two-flush board, when you don’t also have a FD. First, you have fewer nut outs (because some of your straight outs also complete the flush). Second, you can easily be freerolled even if you hit your straight.

Mathematically, a 13-card nut straight draw + nut flush draw is only a slight favorite against an identical 13-card nut straight draw + pair + FD + BDFD. However, it is much stronger as stacks get deep.

Preflop: 3 straight cards + suited A has excellent playability.

(c) Dominating Pair + Wrap Draw. In general, a single pair is weak. However, pair + 13-card straight draw can be very strong. It can win even if the draw bricks out.

For example, on a T94 board, KQJT is a 4:1 favorite over KQJ5.

Preflop, it is very good when your pair also has connectivity. Having just 3 useful cards like KQJ2 is much worse than having 4 useful cards like KQJT.

Chapter 2: Basic Play and Key Concepts

Basic Play

Differences between PLO and Holdem: You must have two flush cards to make a flush. When the board has trips, you must have a pair to make a full house. It is easier to make a full house on a single-paired board than a double-paired board. When the board has quads, any pair beats A high.

If there’s $25 in the pot, villain bets pot, and you want to raise pot, first you call the raise (25+25+25=75) and then raise pot (75) for a total of $100.

Key Concepts

1) Your main goal is to win Villain’s entire stack, not necessarily the most pots.

2) Four cards in your hand is the equivalent of 6 two-card Holdem hands. By the river, each player has 60 possible 5-card combos. If a straight or flush is possible, it’s likely someone has it.

3) While starting hands are often close in equity, there’s a big difference between starting hands that are capable of winning big pots, especially multi-way. The best starting hands for big pots can flop big nut straights or set + straight draw/ nut flush draw.

4) Omaha is a flop game. More players tend to see the flop; it’s harder to make players fold pre-flop, and the flop is more likely to dramatically change each player’s hand values.

5) Our goal isn’t necessarily to flop the “best hand” - because equities change so dramatically on later streets. We want a hand that we can take to the river.

6) Only draw to the nuts, especially multi-way. Don’t try to draw to K-high flush, inferior set, or full house with bottom set.

7) The bare nut-flush draw is often not strong enough to get to the river. You don’t have the direct-odds to call pot-sized bets, and you have much lower implied odds when you hit your flush. You need a NFD + two pair, set, or straight draw.

8) Bare 8-card straight draws are trash. You rarely get direct odds to call. They are easily dominated.

9) Focus on quality of outs, rather than quantity of outs. For example, if you have T863 on a 972 board, you have a 17-out straight draw, which completes by the river 62% of the time. However, you’re a 3:1 underdog versus JT98 (top pair + 13-out nut straight draw) and JT86 (16-out nut wrap). The deeper the stacks, the more valuable are dominating draws.

10) Don’t slow play. For example, if you have 9877 on a 766 board, any overcard can give Villain a higher full house. Likewise, it’s possible Villain to completely miss the flop, but turn a massive draw with TJ76 on a K82 flop and 9 turn.

11) Position is critical in PLO. OOP bets more frequently (to prevent IP checking back for free). A check is more likely a signal of weakness. Additionally, when OOP bets into a multi-way field, that tends to signal strength.

Therefore, acting last is a major advantage: If everyone checks to you, you can often bluff with any two cards.

(MegaWhale69’s comment: Curious how strong this analysis holds up in the solver era).

Late position has an easier time playing medium-strength hands like AA, trips, two pair, underfull, and sets on draw-heavy boards.

Additionally, late position has better implied odds when he flops trips, has flexibility when he flops the nuts, and has more bluffing opportunities than OOP.

(MegaWhale69’s comment: Apparently, these concepts will be better explained in later chapters).

12) Build the pot early with your big hands and big draws. If you bet pot on the flop, you can bet 3x as much on the turn, and 9x as much on the river. If you check the flop, your river sizing is significantly capped.

This is true even for 13-out nut wraps, which hit by the river approximately 50% of the time.

13) You should play more straightforward in multi-way pots. For example, playing a T87 board heads-up, you may consider calling with two-pair or the non-nut straight. But in a 6-way pot, if early position leads out for full-pot, you must fold these hands.

14) Give your opponent credit for what he represents. For example, if Villain bets on a JJ3 rainbow flop, he is representing at least trips. If you call with just an overpair, you are in “triple jeopardy”: (a) you can call and be wrong; (b) you can call just to get bluffed on later streets; and (c) you can call just to get out-drawn.

If there’s a flush on the board, straights and two-pair should usually fold to aggression. If you bet with bottom/ middle set or two-pair and get raised, you’re often in bad shape. With middle set, you’re either a major underdog against top set, or a small favorite against a big draw. With two-pair, you’re toast against both.

You will not make much money bluff-catching in PLO, especially if you’re a beginner.

The Power of the Big Draw

Draws are more powerful in PLO than Holdem because they often have more equity, and because it’s harder for them to be priced-out due to bet-sizing restrictions.

Big draws have massive fold-equity, especially when stacks are deep and in-position. Even if you’re an underdog in raw equity, it’s hard for villains to call 3 streets with weak made-hands.

Additionally, big draws have more implied odds. If they miss on the river, they can just fold. However, big made hands will often pay off a big bet on the river.

Pot Odds vs Implied Odds

Straights often have big implied odds. But flushes less so, because you’re unlikely to get paid off. Likewise, sets don’t have much implied odds against flushes, because if the board pairs, they may not pay you off.

Straight draws are better because they are more disguised, and it’s easier to have a dominating straight over straight than full house over full house.

Additionally, another hand with strong implied odds is flopped trips with 3 overs, such as 9876 on a 665 flop. You can safely call, even if villain has a full house.

Thinking Ahead

The biggest decision in PLO is not made on the river. It’s often made on the flop. However, most players underestimate the importance of pre-flop.

The Fundamental Question in Omaha

The fundamental question in Hold’em is: “Do I have the best hand?” In PLO, it’s “Can I take this hand to the river?”

Who has the best hand is meaningless on the flop when there’s $25 in the pot. We care about who wins on the river when there’s $2000 in the pot. While naked Aces might have more raw equity, a 16-card nut wrap can make it to the river.

While hands often have similar raw equity preflop, there is vast disparity in playability after the flop, when stakes are deep, especially multiway.

Q987 can hit the sucker wrap on a JTx board - utter garbage. By contrast, QJT7 is much stronger as it can flop a 16-card nut wrap on 98x board. We want suited rundowns, or suited rundowns + pair.

While almost any hand can flop the nuts, very few can win big pots on the river!

Why no plomm but some outdated book?

Tbh, I'm brand new to PLO. My plan was to read this first, then Mastering Small Stakes by JNandez, then subscribing to PLO Mastermind. I'm finding Hwang's book useful just in terms of explaining how the hands work.

I realize this is a super small sample size:



However, there's a clear trend that my blue line is positive while my red line is negative.

Looking at my frequencies, everything looks normal, except I'm folding too much. (Fold 69% on the flop; 66% on the turn; and 70% on the river).



My logic is that most of these hands are multi-way, and my perception is that people don't bluff often in microstakes. But is it fair to say, I simply need to start calling more?

Are there other frequencies/ statistics I should look into?

You probably won't be making red line money in 6-max microstakes, so you should definitely not worry about that. Of the statistics I only understand numbers, dunno what this chart thingy is. You probably shouldn't mix stats from multiway and HU pots.

Based on what I see I don't think it's fair to say you should be calling more.

Fold to cbet should be under 50 unless you face only pot bets

Dont worry for the lines atm becauae you are playing many mw pots. Focus on your stats first

Rfi, fold vs rfi, 3bet, cbet and fold vs cbet. When you fix these you go on

I think Hwang's book is based off 9 or 10 person tables, is it not?

Take the base concepts of what hands are good and what hands are not, that doesn't change much.

A lot of his concepts although not irrelevant have had the ideas expanded and improved upon.

I would get the Jnandez as the preferred book over Hwangs.

Run it Once has a course called From the Ground Up: PLO Edition. Focuses on small stakes and is worth looking in to as well.

The chart is from PokerTracker 4. In theory, it's supposed to show the frequencies that winning players use, but I'm not sure if the data is reliable.

Are you aware of GTO frequencies for things like folding to c-bets in 6-max games?



Hwang doesn't specifically say his book is for full ring games, but I do think his advice is a little conservative. I'm finding it useful, but am also taking with a grain of salt.

I'm planning to move on to JNandez's book next.

Chapter 3: Straight Draws

In PLO, the majority of big pots involve either two made straights, or one big straight draw vs set or draw.

In Hold’em, 8-out straight draws are big; in PLO, they are trash.

First, they are easily duplicated. You are often drawing to a chop, and often being freerolled. Second, they are often dominated. Third, you rarely get good odds when villain bets pot. Fourth, 13 and 17 out wraps are the norm, and 20-out wraps are possible.

A 13-out wrap + FD or 17-out wrap are roughly even against a naked set. A 20-out wrap is a favorite.

13-out Wraps

These are possible on 4 types of boards:

1) Connecting cards, such as 982.

2) One-card gap, such as 972.

3) Two-card gap, such as 962.

4) Any two unique cards from T-K, including KQx, KJx, KTx, QJX, QTx, and JTx.

There are two ways to make 13-out wraps on each of these flops, but only one of them will be nutted.

For example: QJTx vs 765x on 982 board. JT8x vs 865x on 972 board. T87x vs 875x on 962 board.

16, 17 and 20-out Wraps

Nut 16 and 20-card wraps use all four hole cards, and two specific board cards. Your hand must have a gap. Three ways to make a 16-out wrap, and 1 way to make a 20-card wrap:

1) Three card rundown with two-gap at the bottom; QJT7 on 98x board.

2) Connectors with two single gaps at the bottom; QJ97 on T8x board.

3) Broadway nut wraps, including AKT9 on QJx board.

4) Rundown with two-gap in the middle; QJ87 creates 20-out wrap on T9x board. This is a favorite against a bare set in raw equity; however, it is easily dominated by KQJx.

Three-Card Wraps

Additionally, 17-out wraps are possible with 3 hole cards, such as JT7x on 982 board (11 nut outs); T76x on 982 board (7 nut outs); T86x on 972 board (7 nut outs).

Wraps with 3 Flop Cards

The previous flops were based on two specific cards - connectors, one-gaps, and two-gaps It’s also possible to have a wrap when three specific cards hit the flop:

9865 on T74 board (20 outs, 14 nuts); JT86 on Q97 (20 out, 14 nuts); JT86 on K97 board (20 out, 14 nuts); JT97 on Q86 board (16 outs, 16 nuts); J987 on QT6 board (16 outs, 6 nuts); J986 on T75 board (16 outs, 16 nuts); J986 on QT7 board (16 outs, 6 nuts); J976 on T86 board (16 outs, 10 nuts).

Big problem with hands like J987 - you really need to flop a T. It’s much better to have JT97 or JT87.

J986 - with single gap on top and bottom - is also dubious because it needs the perfect T75 for a 16 out nut wrap.

Likewise, J976 is abominable. It needs the perfect T85. It is easily dominated by QJ97. Problem with gaps at the top: They don’t flop enough nut outs. JT97, and 9865 are better.

The “Inside” Wrap

QJTx on K92 board is a 9-out nut wrap. Likewise, if the flop is A-Broadway-x, and you have the other three broadways; likewise A-Wheelcard-x, if you hold the other 3 wheel cards.

Playable Hand Structures

Connected rundowns like JT98 are excellent. Additionally, if you have gaps, it’s better if they are lower in the hand. JT97, JT87, QJT7, QJ97, and QJ87 are very strong.

Premium vs Speculative Drawing Hands

It is very easy to flop a wrap with a connected run down. And if you flop two pair, you also have an open-ended straight draw. By contrast, QJ97 is more speculative because it requires very specific cards to flop well.

Extrapolation

Don’t forget: Bigger is better. AKJ9 is much better than 7642, because it can more easily make top two pair, big full house, or big flush draw. Note: 5432 is not a playable rundown because it can’t flop a 13-card nut draw; A2x only yields 9 outs, and it’s impossible to flop a nut straight with redraw. Even 6543 is speculative because it requires 32x or 42x flop.

Top Gap Deficiencies

Top gaps aren’t ideal. The worse have two at the top, such as J876. This is trash, essentially a 3-card hand. It can flop a wrap on T9x, but only 7 nut outs, and easily dominated by KQJx. The only good two-gap at top hand is AJT9. KT98 is marginal at best.

One gap up top, J987 is much better. On flop 765 you have nut straight, but no redraw. It requires a flop 65x or T65 to flop straight draw + redraw. It’s not trash, but much weaker than JT97, with gap at bottom, or JT87, with gap in middle.

Hands like J986 are even worse, with gaps at top and bottom. J976 is very bad because it’s easily dominated.

Any four broadways, including A, is always strong, such as AQJT, because all straight draws are to the nuts.

Marginal Hand Structures

Only consider playing in late position. KJT8 is marginal at best. Two gaps at top should rarely be played, unless A high.

When There’s Two Flush on the Flop

Two-flush on the flop significantly devalues a straight draw, especially if you don't have two cards of the suit.

On a T92dd flop, AA43dd (Aces with nut-flush draw) is a 3:2 favorite over QJ87 (20-out wrap).

Importance of Being Suited

In general, you should almost never draw to a non-nut flush as your primary draw. However, having suited cards as backup can be useful:

a) Additional outs versus a set

b) Freeroll outs versus another straight

c) Escape outs when you are dominated by a bigger straight draw

d) Slim defense against nut-flush draw wheen you have a monster wrap.

Anytime you invest money pre-flop, you must be prepared to defend the pot with your entire stack. Having extra flush outs makes it easier to go all-in on favorable flops.

When the size of the blinds is small compared to the average pot (as often in PLO), you should be wary of playing unsuited draws. Wait for a better spot.

Domination and Duplication

Domination is when you have a straight draw that is drawing at non-nut outs, or when your straight draw is unsuited. You can hit your straight but still lose.

Duplication is when someone else is drawing to the same straight. This decreases the likelihood that you hit, and decreases your payoff when you do.

It is a huge error to draw to open-ended straight draws, because you are in danger of both domination and duplication. It is very easy to duplicate two cards, and they can often dominate you as well.

In multiway hands, duplication is even more common.

When JT doesn’t make the Nut Straight

In Holdem, JT always make the nuts. However, this is not true in Omaha when the flop comes KQx. If you hold JT98, a 9 or A will give you the nuts. However, if you hit a J, you’ll lose to AT; if you hit a T, you’ll lose to AJ.

AJTx completely dominates JT98.

The Third Board Card

When you flop a wrap, the third board card may devalue your wrap by making a higher straight draw possible. For example, if you hold 7642 on a K53 board, you have a 16-out nut wrap. But if the flop comes 953, a 6 or 7 doesn’t give you a nut straight, and 876x completely dominates you.

Chapter 4: Pre-Flop Play

Pre-flop sets up the rest of your hand. The three key questions are: What hands to play, when to play them, and how to play them pre-flop.

Starting Hands

Everybody knows the best starting hands in PLO are AAKK and AAJT double suited. Rundowns like AKQJ and JT98 are also nice. You should play hands with 4-cards that “work together” and avoid danglers.

While most starting hands in Omaha have similar raw equity, this isn’t true when considering implied odds in big pots. Every hand you play should be focused on winning big pots.

In mult-way pots, every hand is a drawing hand. Even AA.

As mentioned in Chapter 1, we are trying to flop:

1) Nut straight + Redraws

2) Overfull or top set + other draws

3) Big nut straight draws

4) Nut flush or nut flush draw

5) Any combo of the above.

A good starting hand uses all 4 cards, and can hit the flop in multiple ways. We’ll discuss six groups: (1) Big Cards and Ace-High Broadway Wrap; (2) Straight Hands; (3) Suited Ace Hands; (4) Pair Plus Hands; (5) Aces; and (6) Marginal Hands.

Big Cards and Ace-High Broadway Wrap

In general, any hand with 4-broadways is a premium drawing hand, especially if suited. Any four cards 9 and higher are usually playable - they are all premium draws, except KJT9.

Ace-High Broadway Wrap hands - any four-cards 9 and higher, headed by an Ace - can make big nut straight draws. They include AKQ9; AKJ9, AKT9, AQJ9, AQT9, and AJT9.

Straight Hands: Rundowns and Wrap Hands

Any perfectly connected rundowns from AKQJ to 9876 have excellent potential. Smaller rundowns from 8765 to 6543 are more speculative. 5432 is not playable.

Hands with wrap possibilities have at least a single gap, or two single gaps or a double gap. We prefer when gaps are at the bottom, and when the top two cards are connected. A single gap at the bottom is fairly strong. A middle gap, like QJ98 is a bit weaker, but still decent.

Hands with two single gaps at the bottom, like 7642 and QJ97, and double gaps at the bottom, like 7652 and QJT7 have the potential for a 16-out nut wrap. However, they are still very speculative because they require two perfect cards on the flop. The odds of hitting those perfect two cards on the flop are 1:25. But they still have very big-pot potential.

Likewise, two gaps in the middle, like QJ87 has 20-out straight possibilities. However, they are still very speculative, because even when they flop the perfect wrap, they can still be dominated by a 13-out nut wrap.

Hands with two-gaps at the top should usually be avoided, with the lone exception of AJT9.

Suited Ace Hands

Three basic categories: (1) Suited A with straight cards; (2) Suited A with offsuit pair; (3) Suited A with two Broadway cards.

The very best of Suited A with straight cards is sequential rundowns, like A987. These are excellent multiway, as they can flop top two pair + NFD; two pair + open-ended straight draw + NFD; or 13-out nut wrap + NFD.

Playable hands in this category run from AJT9 down to A654. A543 isn’t worth playing, as it can’t flop a 12 or 13 out nut straight draw.

The next best of Suited A with straight cards is rundowns with a single gap, like A875 or A865. These can flop 13-out straight draw + NFD. However, the downside is, half the time when they flop a 13-out straight draw, it will be non-nutted.

For example, if you hold A875, a 64x board gives you 13-out nut wrap, but 96x gives you non-nut wrap. Playable hands in this category go from AQJ9 down to A653 and AQT9 down to A643.

Note that two bottom gappers (AJT7 down to A652) can flop 17-out wraps. AQT8 down to A652 also has this potential, but is easily dominated and less playable. Double gaps up top, like A854 has sucker-wrap potential.

A suited A with offsuit pair is speculative but has very strong big-pot potential. A set + NFD is a favorite over even the strongest draws. Ideally, you prefer for the pair to be offsuited to the suited A, as this increases the possibility that you flop a NFD when you flop a set. (Half the time when you flop a set, it will be the same suit as your suited A.) Recall that big pairs are better - especially 7 and up.

While most players will play any double suited A with a pair, Hwang prefers for his pair to be offsuit. (You’re less likely to flop a non-nut FD, but more likely to flop a set + NFD).

The last category is Suited A with two Broadway cards. These can flop a 13-out Btoadway wrap draw + NFD. These are so strong, it’s okay to have a dangler. It’s better to have a wheel-card dangler, like AKQ5 than AKQ7. The danglers still make them speculative, so you prefer to see the flop cheaply.

Pair-Plus Hands

The smaller the pair, the more important it is to have backup with straight-cards or suited A. The biggest straight draw with an A on the flop is a 9-out straight draw; a K-high flop can produce a 13-out straight draw; a Q-high flop can produce a 16-out nut straight draw, while J or T can produce 20-out wraps.

Therefore, even pairs like QQ, JJ, or TT are not “premium” without backup, because you are often against big wraps. A hand like QQ93 rainbow is virtually trash. However, QQJT double suited has strong potential, as it can flop top set with straight draws. Pairs with connectors, like 7655 or 9987 are also strong, because when they flop sets, you’re also likely to have straight draws. They can also flop a nut straight with a set for a full-house redraw.

Double paired hands 8877 or QQ99 are also playable. You’ll flop a set 21.4% of the time. However, the downside is that while they can flop well, they don’t have strong backup. KK33 is playable because of the KK, but 4433 is easily dominated and shouldn’t be played.

AA Hands

Top set is a favorite over all but the biggest draws. Additionally, when you flop a set of Aces, you’re less likely to be against a big wrap draw than when you flop a set of Jacks.

That said, unless you get all the money in pre-flop, AA is still a drawing hand in PLO. The quality of AA depends greatly on the side cards. Unsuited AA83 is still speculative, especially multi-way.

Key features in AA hands:

(1) A suited A, or two. Double suited Aces flop a NFD 24% of the time.

(2) Broadway cards. These give wrap potential.

(3) Connectors. AA87, especially when suited, is very strong.

(4) Second pair. The second pair increases the probability of flopping a set.

Three categories of Aces:

(1) Speculative. These include all unsuited AA, as well as AA with just a single suit and nothing else.

(2) Premium. Double-suited AA, or single-suited AA with Broadway Wrap potential (AAJT), connecting sidecards (AA87), or second pair.

(3) Magnum. UItra-premium Aces include double-suited AA with Broadway Wrap potential, connectors, or a second big pair.

Marginal Hands

Marginal hands include 3 Broadway cards with one dangler, or big pair with useless sidecards. For example, KQJ5 or QQ73. Likewise, suited AA without any backup.

AJ76 single-suited is marginal because it has nut straight potential, but AK32/ A532/ AK42 single suited are virtual trash because they make too many sucker straights.

Marginal hands should only be played in late position.

Hand-Strength Classification

Four categories: (1) Premium; (2) Speculative; (3) Marginal; (4) Trash.

Premium

Magnum AA hands; big double pairs, four single-suited Broadways, suited perfect four-card rundowns, suited rundowns with a single bottom gap, four cards 9 and higher headed by a suited A (Broadway Wrap hands), and big pairs with suited and connecting cards, like QQJT double-suited.

Speculative

Speculative hands require specific cards to flop well. But when they hit, they are monsters. For example, QJT7, QJ87, and QJ97. Also, smaller pairs with suited connectors, like 9877, suited A with straight sidecards, suited A Broadway Wrap hands with danglers, and speculative AA hands. These hands prefer to see the flop cheaply, when stacks are deep.

Marginal

These include suited 3-card hands with danglers, big uncoordinated pairs like KKxx, QQxx, JJxx, weak suited A, and unsuited rundowns.

Trash

Everything else. These hands lack potential to flop the nuts with redraw, a big draw, or anything useful. 9752 can flop a wrap, but is easily dominated. K422 is trash, because you will either win a small pot or lose a big pot.

The Miracle Flop Test

If you flop 3 perfect cards, but are still in rough shape - you fail the “Miracle Flop Test.” To pass the Miracle Flop Test, you must be able to flop the nut straight + redraws, or top set + nut flush draw.

It’s better to play speculative hands (they hit infrequently, but flop monsters) than marginal hands (they hit more frequently, but are easily dominated).

Chapter 5: Post-Flop

PLO is a flop game. It’s often the case that both players will have enough equity to get it in on the flop. This usually happens with set versus big draw. Our goal is to win the max with our big hands and lose the minimum with our sucker holdings.

Basic Rules

(1) If you have it, bet it.

(2) If you have a big nut draw, “bet it like you have it” until somebody else says, “I have it.” Then re-evaluate your options.

These two key rules are 50% of PLO. The rest of the game is played on the margins. In marginal situations, the player in late position has every advantage. First, it’s harder to bet into a crowded field from early position. It’s easier to bet in late position after everyone else shows weakness. Second, the player in late position wins bigger pots and loses smaller pots in marginal situations. Finally, the player in late position has other “tricks” to win smaller pots.

Size of the Bet

In general, Hwang recommends betting and raising full pot on the flop and turn, unless the board is paired or a flush is possible. Hwang prefers using a single-bet sizing to avoid giving bet-sizing tells, and because draws are powerful enough to justify a full pot size bet. With big draws, you want maximum fold equity.

MegaWhale69’s note: I think much of the advice in this chapter is outdated, so I’m going to move on to new materials.

Mastering Small Stakes PLO by JNandez

Chapter 1: A Modern Approach to Poker

What is GTO?

GTO is an equilibrium, non-exploitable strategy. Our goal is to learn patterns and principles from solvers.

The GTO Framework

A baseline GTO strategy helps us make better exploits.We should be cautious of playing maximum exploitation strategies, because we can be wrong and are easily counter-exploited.

GTO in Practice

Joey Ingram once asked Ben86, “What separates the top 10 PLO players in the world from the top 100, and what separates both groups from the top 1000?” Ben86’s answer was:

(1) The Top 10 players have the strongest fundamental understandings of GTO, allied to an understanding of how to exploit.

(2) The Top 100 have the same basic knowledge, but their skill level and execution is lower. Within this category, there is a subset of exploitative, intuitive players (like Isildur1). They are great at exploiting, but suffer from massive variance.

(3) If everyone’s playing a cat-and-mouse exploitation game, some will be better exploiters than others. But both will be crushed by a solid GTO strategy.

Playing by intuition isn’t a recipe for long-term success. The power of GTO is: You cap your downsides. You’ll avoid massive variance.

(MegaWhale69’s comment: While playing GTO minimizes expected losses, I don’t think it necessarily minimizes variance.)

GTO Versus Weak Opponents

(1) Understand baseline GTO

(2) Identify Villain’s leaks

(3) Exploit

(4) Cap your downside, by not over-exploiting

Chapter 2: Preflop

Preflop Equity in PLO and NLHE

There are 270,725 starting hand combos in PLO, compared to just 1,326 in NLHE.

In NLHE, Aces has 81.5% equity against QJ suited. In PLO, AAKK double suited only has 63% equity against J976 double suited. However, just because equities are closer doesn’t mean you should play looser.

Difference Between Equity and EV

Equity is the raw odds of winning at showdown. However, raw equity doesn’t take into account equity realization. Equity realization factors in future bets.

Situational factors, like position, opponent tendencies, and number of players may allow you to over-realize your equity in PLO.

Equity Distribution

What is Flop Equity Distribution?

Flop equity distribution is the equity of specific hands across all possible flops. For example, if we compare KKxx vs AAxx, there are about 15% of flops where KKxx has at least 75% equity; but then it quickly drops to below 40% equity in the remaining flops. This is a “rough” equity distribution: Against Aces, Kings does very well on some flops, but very bad on others.

If you know you’re against Aces, you shouldn’t call a 4-but with Kings.

Flop Equity Distribution of Other Hands

Should you call a 4-bet against Aces if you have 8765 double suited? Yes, because the equity distribution is very “smooth.” There is a smooth drop in equity from the best to the worst flops, meaning it flops well frequently. You’ll be able to call a c-bet frequently, which allows you to realize more equity on future streets.

Hands with rough equity distributions want to see flops cheaply, similar to “set mining” in NLHE.

Additionally, hands with smooth equity distributions, like double-suited rundowns, have higher “visibility,” meaning it’s easier to know if we’re ahead.

Stack-to-Pot Ratio

What is SPR?

Postflop decisions depend on equity, position, and SPR. The smaller the SPR, the less equity needed to stack off.

With SPR 1, it takes 1 full pot bet to GII. With SPR 4, it takes two full pot bets to GII. With SPR 13, it takes 3 full pot bets to GII.

In SRP, SPR is usually 8-9 when heads up. SPR is usually 6-7 in multiway pots. In 3-bet pots, SPR is usually 3.5-4 heads up, and around 2 multiway.

SPR and Stacking Off

SPR 0.5: 25% equity needed. SPR 1: 33% needed. SPR 2: 40% needed.

However, sometimes calling is better than stacking off, especially when in late position, as it allows you to use your positional advantage.

When SPR is around 5, you shouldn’t be routinely stacking off on the flop.

In multiway pots, you should tighten up as well, even when SPR is low, because you’re more likely to run into a stronger hand.

Additionally, if SPR is higher, you will have more fold equity, so you can bluff raise with less raw equity.

Studying Preflop Strategy

Nine categories: (1) Unpaired single-suited; (2) Unpaired double-suited; (3) Unpaired rainbow, (4) One pair single-suited; (5) One pair double-suited; (6) One pair rainbow; (7) Two pair single-suited; (8) Two pair double-suited; (9) Two pair rainbow.

Double paired hands are extremely rare: Only dealt about 1% of the time. Single paired hands: Dealt about 30% of the time. Remaining 69% is unpaired hands.

Unpaired Single-Suited

51.8% of hands fall in this category. High cards are key. Don’t overvalue hands with low suits and low rundowns, because they’re easily dominated.

Suit Types

Hands with 4 of the same suit (monotone) are much worse than 2 of the same suit, because you block your own outs. It’s also better to not block higher suits. ATssKQ is better than AKssQT, because it’s easier to get paid off by the second nuts.

Avoid monotone and trip-suited hands, because you have fewer flush outs, and are less likely to dominate a weaker flush.

Double-Paired

Their main strength is the ability to flop sets. High pairs are key.

Nuttiness and Calibration

Nuttiness refers to often you make the nuts. This is key in multi-way hands. By contrast, smoother hands like QT76 double suited are less nutted, but perform better heads up, because they connect more with lots of flops.

Context and Calibration

A876 single-suited prefers calling from the button, because you prefer playing a muliway pot with high SPR. By contrast, QT76 double-suited prefers 3-betting from the button, because it’s less nutty and prefers playing heads up. It still does well against bigger pairs.

Calibration

We calibrate BB defending range based on how many players are involved, and those players’ preflop ranges.

EP raises and gets two callers. On the button with AJJ3 single-suited, we call. We are nutted because we can flop the nut flush/ flush draw, and top set, or nut straight draw.

If the hand is only suited to the Jack, we’d fold because it’s not nutted enough. However, if it’s double-suited, it’s strong enough to 3-bet to hopefully isolate.

If you’re game is loose, you should calibrate your preflop hands for nuttiness in multiway pots. Most of your money will come from dominating weaker hands.

EP raises and gets 3 callers. If we hold J987 singled-suited, we fold. This hand is not-nutted, so it won’t perform well in a multiway pot. Our opponents can easily dominate us with KQJT or AJT9. The gap on top severely devalues our hand. In low rake games, you can maybe call in late position if you’re heads-up, or open from late position.

Preflop Sizing

Winning the Blinds

Most pre-flop opens should be to the pot. Our goal is to win the blinds and avoid rake. Winning the blinds every hand would equate to 150bb/100 winrate. The best online crushers are winning about 5 to 10 bb/100, while the best live players can win 20 to 40 bb/100.

Maximizing EV

Raising full pot also allows you to build a bigger pot when you have a strong hand. Especially in live games, players will call a full pot-size bet regardless of what they hold. In these environments, you should raise full-pot with nutty hands.

Common Mistakes with Raise Sizing

(1) Open-raising too small. You should always open to pot.

(2) 3-betting too small

(3) Open-limping.

Exceptions: In PLO tournaments, sometimes you can open-raise smaller or open limp. Stacks are much shallower, and you want to protect your tournament life by minimizing variance. Additionally, rake isn’t a factor in tournaments, so you have less incentive to avoid flops.

Ah. In general, the problem with trying to "perfect" your own stats is the fact that the way others play influence it very much. I do not know what a general GTO freq for folding to cbet is even, because I don't think it is important. I have a good feeling of what hands I should continue with in most spots and I think that is way way more important.

True, I know NLHE preflop strategy based on studying charts, but don't know the exact frequencies.

But I think GTO frequencies are useful to double check that your intuition is correct.

Folding rates will differ based on the board, bet size, number of players, etc. But in the long-run, I believe GTO will eventually deviate to a specific frequency. And if in the long-run, your frequencies don't match GTO, then you aren't playing GTO.

I'm not saying your instincts are bad. But as a new player, it would be useful to know if I'm folding more than GTO over a certain sample of hands.

What exactly does the stat "fold to cbet" mean? If it doesn't take the number of the players or position into account, it's a very generalized stat that I would mostly ignore. If people in your game play a very abnormal strategy your fold to cbet stat should not be "matching GTO" at all. In general I don't think you should even try to "match GTO", your should try to learn concepts and then implement them into your game as best as you can.

Its good to know theory, mostly for understanding how different ranges work and use that knowledge to exploit, not to copy.
But many regs get too obsessed with trying to play gto and forget to play poker.

I mean, i dont care at all if my frequencies don't match optimal.
I start my thought process from villain and specific situation, if i dont have any infos then think about population, if that dont help then think gto.
But many regs go gto>population>villain and often dismiss ingame information that maximizes EV.
These are the "gto prisoner regs" who never fold top of range even when its obvious how bad the call is vs specific villain.

Thanks for the outlines Dude.

No problem! It's a good way to help me learn the material, and I'm happy if it can also help others.

Chapter 3: Preflop Ranges

First-in Raiser

Baseline Strategy

At 100bb deep, 6-handed, the following RFI frequencies define GTO baseline strategy: EP opens 19%; MP opens 23%; CO opens 31%; BTN opens 48%; SB opens 35%.

If the players behind you are aggressive, you should open less. If they are loose and passive, you should focus on nutty hands.

Rule of thumb: Aces is roughly 2.5% of all hands. KK and QQ are also roughly 2.5% each. However, you’re not opening all KK and QQ from every position. KK72 rainbow is usually a fold, unless you’re on the Button or SB. QQT2 single-suited is usually a fold before the CO.

If your hand is disconnected, it needs a very strong suit or high-ranking cards to be open-raised. The exception to this rule is Aces, because you can profitable 4-bet and still dominate Kings and Queens.

It’s also a mistake to open-raise low ranking connected hands, like 9875 single-suited. Especially multi-way, they are easily dominated. For example, you can flop two-pair + gutshot straight draw on 984 flop. But if you get action, you’re often dominated. QJT8 is much more playable.

Cold-Calling Fundamentals

This section is specifically about cold-calling open-raises in position.

Frequencies and Positional Awareness

The closer you are to the BTN, the more you can cold-call. Against an EP raiser, you should cold-call 4.8% in MP; 7.2% in CO; and 15.7% on the BTN. Notice that you’re 3x more likely to cold-call on the BTN than MP.

Additionally, when in position, your calling frequency increases and 3-betting frequency decreases. From MP against an EP raise, you should call 5% and 3-bet 5.2%. However, from the BTN against EP raise, you should call 15.7% and 3-bet just 3.5%.

Most players don’t understand this. They like to 3-bet from the BTN because you have guaranteed position. In reality, you prefer keeping SPR higher when in position. By contrast, MP and CO have more incentive to push out the BTN and gain position.

Middle Position Versus Early Position

If you call, there are 4 players left to act. Very likely you will play a multi-way pot, so nuttiness is crucial. You’re looking for high-suits, strongly connected hands, and high pairs. Usually you need a combo of these.

Examples: AJT2 double-suited. You have high suits and high card connectivity.

AK52 double-suited. This has less connectivity, but two high-suits. It should call.

7654 double-suited: When the cards are low, you need extreme connectivity. You want rundowns without gaps.

ATT2 double-suited. This is nutty enough to call, with suited A and broadway pair.

Button Versus Early Position

Here, the pot is less likely to go multiway because MP and CO have folded. Additionally, you have guaranteed position. We can focus more on playability with less need for nuttiness. Examples of hands that aren’t good enough to call from MP, but can call from the BTN:

QJT2 double-suited: Good connectivity and suitedness, but lacks nuttiness.

KQJ6 double-suited: Same story. The dangler 6 is a big weakness.

7654 trip-suited. Excellent connectivity, but low cards and trip-suited. It can call from BTN, but fold from MP.

QJJ2 single-suited. Okay connectivity, okay pair.

Main Takeaways

As we get closer to the Button, we call more and 3-bet less, because we use our positional advantage post-flop. From earlier position, we focus more on nuttiness. On the Button, playability is more important.

3-Betting Fundamentals

3-betting is critical in PLO, because so few players ever fold. Massive 3-bet pots are critical to winrate.

To Call or 3-Bet

When you 3-bet, you will often play heads-up. At 100 BB, 3-bet SPR will be around 4, which means we will often play for stacks.

When cold-calling an open raise, we’re more likely to play multiway.

Positional Advantage

When SPR is lower, the OOP player has less of a positional disadvantage, because it’s easier to get stacks in on the flop or turn. They can avoid playing the river OOP. The river is a very tricky street in PLO, because the nuts often change - which makes playing OOP difficult.

Reasons to 3-Bet

Our goal in 3-bet pots is to dominate weaker hands. We want them to hit a small piece of the board, and be forced to stack off.

Ideally, we want to flop top pair and high flush/ straight draw, and dominate middle pair + weak flush/ straight draw.

Two main reasons to 3-bet:

(1) 3-bet to Push an Equity Edge: We want to build a bigger pot when we’re ahead. Use hands like AAxx, AKKx, and AQQx. Additionally, double-suited high cards, and Broadway cards/ pairs. These are the top 3.5% of our starting hands.

(2) 3-bet for Better Playability: These hands often have smooth equity distribution. They are non-nutted, so don’t do well multiway. We want to isolate. These include non-nutty high double-suited rundowns. They still need to be fairly high cards to dominate lower cards.

Realizability

We want to pick hands that are ready to stack off on lots of flops. Hands like 8765 double-suited are very smooth, and connect with lots of flops. This hand is at the margin - we should 3-bet from MP to isolate, but call from the BTN.

3-Betting for Value

Here, we want to build a pot with a raw equity advantage. By 3-betting, we also give our opponents the chance to 4-bet.

Additionally, hands like Aces do better with low SPR. It’s easier to stack off with a NFD, or at least have enough equity when villain has pair + draw. In single-raised pots, Aces might have to fold before reaching showdown.

Additionally, consider AA93 trip-suited. This hand doesn’t do amazingly well in a 3-bet pot because it lacks suitedness and connectivity. However, it does even worse in a multiway pot. With bad Aces, we want to 3-bet to make sure we can isolate.

Finally, we should 3-bet more often if we have fold equity.

3-Betting for Playability

Our main goal here is to isolate and play heads-up with non-nutty hands. For example, if we hold QJ98 double–suited from the CO, we want to isolate the EP raiser and avoid a multiway pot. Multiway, we’re more likely to be dominated by a higher-suit.

Facing a 3-Bet

We have three options:

(1) We can 4-bet. This is mainly done with Aces, some AKKx, and double-suited A-high rundowns.

(2) We can call the 3-bet. Very often, our EV in the hand will be negative, but still preferable to folding.

(3) We can fold. We should fold our hands that are badly dominated by villain’s 3-betting range, and lack equity realizability (ie. hands that have to check-fold often). These include big pairs that are dominated by Aces, or high cards that don’t have extra backup (aren’t double-suited or strongly connected).

Most people never fold to 3-bets, but this is a mistake. If we raise from EP and BTN 3-bets, we should fold about 19% of our range, depending on rake, your opponent, and stack depth. In high-rake environments, we should fold closer to 30%. In a time-based live structure, we can fold about 9% of the time.

When open-raising from CO, if BTN 3-bets, we should fold about 31% of the time. This is because a BTN’s 3-bet vs CO open range is theoretically stronger, because BTN is supposed to call more to leverage position.

On the other hand, if you open BTN, and SB 3-bets, you should only fold about 17% of the time, because you’re in position, and SB’s 3-betting range is wide.

Key Concept #1: Position

Position allows you to realize more equity. You can get more value from strong hands, decide whether to take a free card, and have more bluffing opportunities. For this reason, you can call more 3-bets when in position. Out of position, you need to fold more often to 3-bets.

Key Concept #2: How to Play Aces Versus 3-Bet

At 100bb, you should 4-bet Aces 100% of the time. You want to put more money in the pot pre-flop. Aces prefer low SPRs, because you can shove on more flops.

Once you get over 150bb, you want to flat some 3-bets with Aces that have less playability.

Key Concept #3: Single-Suited vs Double-Suited

You should call 3-bets much more with double-suited than single-suited hands. Double-suited hands are more “smooth” and thus do better on more flops vs AAxx. You want to avoid flopping top pair without backup because you’ll often be crushed against Aces.

You can still call 3-bets bets when single-suited, especially in position. Out of position, you should fold single-suited hands much more.

Key Concept #4: Playing Pairs vs 3-Bet

Pairs need to be very well-connected or double-suited to call a 3-bet OOP. Pairs are likely to be “rough,” meaning they are often crushed against Aces on most flops.

For example, KKT2 does poorly against Aces on most flops. Other hands that should fold to 3-bets: KKQ4 single-suited; KTT6 single-suited.

Hands than call 3-bets out of position: KKQ4 double-suited; 7665 single-suited.

Key Concept #5: Ace-High Suits

Ace-high single-suited hands can often call 3-bets. However, trip-suited A-high hands should often fold (AKQ4 trip-suited), and single-suited non-A-high hands should also often fold.

Key Concept #6: Double-Suited Rundowns

Double-suited rundowns and double-suited big pairs with A-blockers can often 4-bet. It’s important to 4-bet with more than just AAxx. Other examples of 4-bet hands:

AJJT double-suited, AKK3 double-suited; QJT8 double-suited.

Facing a 3-Bet at 200bb

You fold less to 3-bets at 200bb, both IP and OOP. The main reason: It’s harder for the 3-bettor to stack off on the flop when playing deep.

OOP Deep as the Preflop Caller

Deeper stacks means you can check-call on more flops, and realize more equity OOP. At 100bb, the 3-better can bet pot and force you to fold single-pair hands.

Additionally, at 200bb, the 3-bettor’s pre-flop range will be wider. Finally, at 200bb, RFI ranges are slightly tighter, meaning the IP 3-better will c-bet less often and with a smaller size.

IP Deep as the Preflop Caller

This happens when you open from the button and are 3-bet by one of the blinds.Playing deep, your positional advantage is much stronger. Therefore, you can call with most of your range.

Your 4-betting range should be very small, because you prefer playing post-flop. Now, the OOP 3-better has a bloated pot with high SPR.

Limping

Should You Open Limp in PLO?

No. In PLO, rake is high, so you want to win pre-flop. There are exceptions for tournaments, or time-raked games. In these games, it can be profitable to limp when short-stacked, as it allows for higher SPR, and you don’t have to fold as much to raises.

Exploiting Limpers

Most limpers in cash games are recreational players. They usually play wide preflop and make many mistakes post-flop. It is very profitable to isolate these players.

In general, you should isolate limpers with a range that is tighter than your RFI range. This is because limpers almost always limp-call open raises, so it’s harder to steal the blinds preflop.

In general, you should use the open-range from one position earlier per limper. On the BTN against 1 limper, use the CO RFI range. Against 2 limpers, use the MP RFI range.

MegaWhale69’s comment: This makes sense because we lack fold equity against limpers. But don’t we want to play more hands against ranges we crush, when they will make massive mistakes post-flop?

Over-Limping

Over-limping with weak hands is not recommended, because you’re guaranteed to play multiway. A “small mistake” can easily compound into a massive one. You will often be dominated, forced to fold, or lose at showdown.

You can consider over-limping when in SB. However, you need a decently strong hand. In general, strong hands prefer 3-betting OOP to reduce SPR; but this doesn’t work against many limpers who will never fold.

Reasons to raise wider against limpers: If you are deep, or have a read and know they are super wide. On the other hand, raise tighter against limpers if they are very aggressive or tight.

Defending the Big Blind Versus One Opponent

Fundamentals

Here, you know you’re going to play a heads-up pot OOP. You need 33% equity to call a pot-sized open, if you don’t have to make any decisions on future streets. However, we need to take equity realization into account.

Hands that are double-suited and connected realize more equity because they can continue on more boards. It’s much better to defend the BB with 7654 double-suited than JJ72 rainbow.

Some people believe it’s profitable to defend the BB with any hand. However, this is a big mistake. Weak-disconnected hands not only have less raw equity, they realize less equity because they rarely make it to the river. Being out position in the BB makes equity realizability even worse.

Against an EP raiser, you should defend very tight in the BB. You can defend around 50-60% against a BTN open.

Exploitable Adjustment

If opponent is very aggressive post-flop, you want to play tighter preflop, so you will have a stronger range and can defend more post-flop.

Big Blind Defense Versus One Opponent

If you are defending the BB against a single-open raise, you should defend with a frequency that is slightly higher than your opponent’s open-range. For example, if EP raises 18% of their hands, you should defend with 25% from the BB. If the BTN opens 50%, you should defend with 50-60%.

The Influence of Rake

In high rake games, fold more; in low rake games, fold less.

Common Small Stakes Mistakes

Don’t defend too much with single-component hands, like disconnected A-high suited; unsupported medium-high pairs; rainbow Broadway hands, and double-suited disconnected trash.

Just having a suited Ace doesn’t justify always calling pre-flop against a single-raiser. The suited A is more valuable multiway because it is nutty, but less valuable heads-up against a single-raiser. Against a single-raiser, you need other components like connectivity, high cards, or a pair.

3-Betting from the Big Blind

Defending the BB, you are already heads-up, so there’s no reason to 3-bet hands to isolate. Therefore, your 3-betting range should focus on high-equity hands, such as double-suited high cards.

Exploitative Tips

If a player is opening wide, you should exploit him by 3-betting wider. Don’t call wider with marginal hands that struggle to realize equity.

Examples

6532 double-suited looks pretty, but should fold from the BB against a BTN raise, because it’s easily dominated.

97AT single-suited (to the 9) should call. While it isn’t suited to the A, this is a heads-up pot, so playability is more important than nuttiness. Fold against multiple opponents.

AA84 rainbow has 62% equity against a BTN RFI range, while KQTT has 59% equity. However, you should call with AA84 and 3-bet with KQTT. KQTT has more realizability, while weak Aces struggle more to get to showdown.

Defending the Big Blind Versus Multiple Players

In low stakes, you’ll often face an open raise and multiple callers. The BB is supposed to fold much more when facing multiple players than just 1. Many people call more because they think they’re getting “better odds.” However, multiway, you need a nutty hand to dominate your opponents. You don’t want to call with a weak, dominated range.

Against multiple opponents, you need an even stronger hand to win. Against more than 2 players, you should play even tighter. Your hands must be very nutted. Most of your profit in PLO comes from winning big pots against dominated hands.

Squeezing from the Big Blind

When the BB faces a CO open and BTN cold-call, the BB should fold 65%, call 27%, and 3-bet 8%.

Consider: (1) How many capped ranges are in play? (2) Is my hand double-suited, nutted, well-connected, and/or blocking Aces? and (3) Can my hand call a 4-bet?

The more cold-callers, the lower SPR will be. Therefore, your squeezing range should be very “playable” to stack-off against multiple opponents when SPR is low.

Squeezing Components

The more components you have, the more you can squeeze. Being double-suited, connected, and nutted is very powerful. It’s very easy to stack off on many flops against multiple opponents.

Also, if you can’t call a 4-bet, squeezing is less attractive. It’s very good to block Aces.

You hold AKK2 trip-suited in the BB against an MP open and CO and BTN cold-calls. This hand should squeeze. You block Aces, and are nutted with KK and suited A (although trip-suited). It can dominate lower pairs and lower suits. It also prefers playing in low SPR, where it doesn’t need to flop a set to stack off. However, when facing a 4-bet, you should fold because it does very poorly against Aces.

You hold AK75 double-suited in the BB against an MP open and CO and BTN cold-calls. This hand is nutted with suited A and K, and blocks Aces. It doesn’t have good connectivity, however, it can still squeeze. However, if you just face an EP open, you should just call. It should also fold to a 4-bet.

Update after my first 5k hands of PLO. After the first 2k, I thought PLO was a super easy game... but then started feeling some variance.



Winrate: 6.52 bb/100. All-in Adjusted winrate: 13.47 bb/100. However, this is with a massive rake of 26.17 bb/100.

My poker goal is to play live 10-25/ 25-50 games in my local cardroom. We pay rake by the hour, so the net rake in high stakes games is pretty low.

I'm expecting to pay no more than 4-5 bb/ 100 in rake & dealer tips, so if we adjusted all-in equity accordingly, it would have been around 35 bb/100.

I'm still making lots of mistakes post-flop. I think I'm too willing to stack-off and raise with marginal draws without backup. (Often, I barely have enough equity to stack off versus top pair). I haven't had a chance to read the post-flop section of JNandez's book yet, so these equity calculations aren't 100% natural yet.

One of the biggest issues with my graph is the linear negative red-line. I bet flops and turns pretty aggressively, but I very rarely bluff rivers. This is probably a big hole in my game. It's not very intuitive to me what rivers I should bluff. (Old habit from NLHE to rarely bluff rivers against amateurs who never fold). But since the nuts change so frequently in PLO, I'm probably missing lots of river bluff opportunities.

Chapter 4: Preflop Categories

9 categories: (1) Aces; (2) Broadway pairs; (3) Three Broadways with one dangler; (4) Double-paired; (5) Rundowns; (6) Two Broadway with two medium-low connectors; (7) Three card rundowns + Broadway card; (8) Mid-low pairs; (9) Ragged hands.

Category One: Aces

Aces are by far your most profitable hand. The best aces are double-suited, connected, or both. Averages Aces are in the top 2% of hands. Even bad aces, like AA82 rainbow, is in the top 5%.

RFI Strategy

Open 100%.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

In MP facing an EP open-raise, you should almost always 3-bet. First, you have a strong equity edge. Second, you re-open the action, which allows EP to 4-bet. Third, you create fold-equity. Finally, Aces prefer low SPR, because they don’t flop smooth.

In MP, it’s usually not profitable to cold-call, because you’ll often be sandwiched between the PFR and CO/BTN who may also cold-call.

4 situations when you might cold-call with Aces: (1) Weak Aces in position, with little chance you’ll get 4-bet light; (2) Weak Aces OOP and the flop SPR after 3-betting will still be higher than 3. Here, you don’t want to bloat the pot with weak Aces OOP. (3) Weak Aces, if you expect lots of players to float 3-bets and go multiway; (4) You can trap and 4-bet squeeze with Aces if players behind you are aggressive/ shortstacked.

(MegaWhale69’s comment: I’m curious if others agree: In loose live games, if we expect several players to cold-call 3-bets, do you prefer playing a bloated 3-bet multiway pot with weak Aces, or should we just call with weak Aces and play flops?)

Aces that you call with have some combination of: (1) Trip-suited; (2) low suit without connectivity; (3) Rainbow.

However, if the PFR has a wide range, you should pretty much 3-bet 100% of Aces.

Examples of Aces that should just call preflop: AA94 trip-suited; AA53 rainbow.

Exploitative Tip

If PFR doesn’t fold to 3-bets, you should 3-bet 100% of Aces. The PFR is supposed to fold many of their Broadway pairs, such as KKxx and QQxx, which are dominated.

If players behind you are loose, we should 3-bet less to avoid bloated multiway pots with weak Aces. Same, if there is a maniac behind who 3-bets often; we should call and then 4-bet.

Big Blind Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

We should call 20% of Aces in BB versus EP. We call Aces with the worst playability and lowest equity advantage.

When 3-betting OOP, we want to stack-off postflop and avoid having to fold. Examples of Aces that call: AAT2 (suited to T).

BB Versus Button

We 3-bet much more often against the BTN’s wide open range. Just call with 5% worst Aces. Examples: AAK2 rainbow; AA32 rainbow.

BB Versus Two Opponents (BB Versus Button & MP)

We 3-bet 100%. Our 3-bet size will be smaller, which keeps SPR lower. Additionally, in theory we have lots of fold equity! However, if we don’t expect to have fold equity, we should 3-bet weak Aces less to avoid playing a bloated pot OOP.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO vs SB): Slowplaying Aces

IP facing a 3-bet, we should call 10-35% of Aces. Most players 4-bet 100% of Aces, but we should call some.

First, we want to stack KKxx and QQxx. 4-betting preflop gives away the strength of our hand and allows them to fold more. Second, we don’t want to bloat the pot.

GTO suggests that the OOP 3-better will fold 30-40% after facing a 4-bet. However, in reality, they fold much less. (Most never fold). Therefore, in these games, we should 4-bet more to get more value pre-flop.

JNandez recommends deviating from GTO and only calling 15% of Aces to 3-bet IP, rather than 10-35%. Cal with Aces that hold wheel cards, or close to wheel cards, like AA23 single-suited, or AA64 single-suited. First, Aces with wheel-cards have trouble stacking off on many flops. We don’t want to build big pots by 4-betting. Second, flatting Aces with wheel-cards allows you to stack opponents will over-pairs on low boards like 953. Opponent is supposed to c-bet aggressively with overpairs at 3.5 SPR on low, dry boards, we can raise on these flops.

We rarely want to slowplay preflop with Aces + Broadway card, because we block our opponent from having a Broadway pair.

Exploitative Tip

If 3-better never folds to 4-bets, we should 4-bet 100% of Aces.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

OOP, you should 4-bet 100% of Aces. You want to keep SPR low.

Facing a 4-bet (SB vs Button)

We should almost always 5-bet to get the money in.

Category Two: Broadway Pairs

This category includes all Broadway pairs, excluding Aces, two pair hands, and hands with 3 or 4 of the same rank. You will be dealt a Broadway Pair 9.36% of the time. The best is AKKJ double-suited. The average rank of this category is top 17%; however, many overvalue Broadway pairs. Kings and Queens are often overplayed.

RFI Strategy

Early Position

Only open 35% from EP. First, it’s important to have an Ace. AKKx should open 100%; KKxx should only open 50%. Ace blocker decreases the likelihood you are 3-bet by Aces. Also helps you flop top-pair. AQQx should still open close to 100%. Only 80% of AJJx and ATTx should open from EP; fold those with the worst suitedness/ connectivity.

Without an A, rank of your pair is extremely important. Open 50% of Kings, but only 14% of Tens. Example of Tens without Ace that can open-raise: TT98 single-suited; you can call a 3-bet. Don’t open KTT2 double-suited; it looks pretty, but only marginal connectivity, and 2 is total dangler. It can’t call 3-bets.

If you have a Broadway pair + side cards that are 5 or lower, almost always fold.

Button

On the BTN, you can open-raise 94% of all Broadway pairs. An example that should be folded: TT52 trip-suited.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

Most should be folded - 77%. Call with 17%, and 3-bet with 6%.

Calling MP Versus EP

Rank is very important. Kings call 31%; Tens just 11%. You need strong suitedness/ connectivity. KK98 trip-suited: This can call because it can flop top set, has decent connectivity and suitedness. TT98 single-suited: should fold. The cards are a bit too low, it’s easily dominated. (Although it should open from EP).

3-Betting MP Versus EP

Rank is less important than when calling. When calling, we expect to play multiway, so we want high ranks because they’re nutted. When 3-betting, “smoothness” is more important.

We should 3-bet 6% from MP vs EP. Must have an Ace. Must be at least single-suited. A-high double-suited Broadway pairs should almost always 3-bet.

Other hand that can 3-bet: AKK8 (single-suited to K).AJJ9 double-suited. AKK2 (single-suited to A) has strong equity, but it should call because it’s more nutted and does better multiway.

As you or the open-raiser get closer to the button, you widen your 3-betting range. Focus on suitedness/ connectivity, not rank of your pair.

Big Blind Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

BB should call 50% and 3-bet 8% against an EP open. The lower the pair, the higher the fold frequency. Kings fold 3%, while Tens fold 50%. 3-betting often requires an Ace, or very strong realizability. Example of 3-betting hand: JTT9 double-suited. It is very smooth, and can call a 4-bet.

BB Versus Button

BB can play 100% of this category. BTN is less likely to dominate BB with higher Broadway pairs than EP. BTN also opens more low pairs. BB should 3-bet 25%, focusing on higher pairs. 3-bet 47% of Kings, and 11% of Tens. Also, block Aces, and equity realizability.

KK53 double-suited should 3-bet. TT65 should just call.

BB Versus Two Opponents (BB vs Button & MP)

BB rarely folds a Broadway pair against two opponents. Just fold 13.5%. In multiway pots, nuttiness is more important, so Broadway pairs are more valuable. Fold the weakest Broadway pairs. BB should squeeze 15%, usually with Kings. Squeeze 35% with Kings: Initial open-raiser is supposed to fold often, because they’re stuck in the middle post-flop. If you get 4-bet, usually fold.

Almost all AKKx should squeeze, unless rainbow. Just 25% of KKxx should squeeze, for example, KKJ7 double-suited. Queens, Jacks, and Tens squeeze much less often, because they’re more often dominated. They need excellent playability. For example, AQTT double-suited can squeeze.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO versus SB)

In general, all hands fold 11% in this spot. But Broadway Pairs fold 23%, call 75%, and 4-bet 2%. We call with hands with the best playability.

Many Kings without backup can open from the CO, but have to fold against SB 3-bets. Additionally, more than half of the SB’s 3-betting range is Aces, Kings, and Queens, so we are often dominated when holding Tens, Jacks, or Queens.

Tip: Never 4-bet Broadway pairs IP unless 3-better is super aggressive.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

CO’s 3-betting range against MP open is fairly strong, consisting of Aces, double-suited rundowns and connected Broadway hands. Therefore, MP should fold 43% of Broadway pairs in this situation. We should always call with good connectivity, double-suited, and AKKx. Always fold when rainbow.

AQQ9 (single-suited to Q) should fold. AKK2 trip-suited should call. JJT8 single-suited is very smooth, and can call.

When OOP, you want to 4-bet with most double-suited Broadway pairs with an Ace.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

Single-suited Broadway pairs fold 85%. It is crucial to have an A with connectivity or be suited. Rank of your pair is not very important. When calling 4-bets, you must have playability to stack off on many flops.

You can call with double-suited Broadway pairs that are well-connected; but fold if there’s a dangler. KTT5 double-suited should fold; same for KK54 double-suited. KKT9 single-suited can call. When you’re not double-suited, fold 86% of the time.

5-Betting (SB Versus Button)

5-bet 90% of the time with a double-suited Broadway pair + Ace. Very strong single-suited Broadway pairs with Ace can also 5-bet, such as AKKT single-suited.

Exploitative Tip

If players at your table are only 4-betting Aces, you should probably never 5-bet broadway pairs. This strategy assumes players are 4-betting double-suited rundowns, Broadway pairs, and connected Broadway hands. If this isn’t true, you should only 5-bet with Aces.

Category Three: Three Broadway Cards with One Non-Broadway

This category includes hands with exactly 3 Broadway cards, excluding rundowns or pairs. You’ll be dealt this category 6.15% of the time. The best is AJT8 double-suited. The average rank of this category is 22.71%.

RFI Strategy

Early Position

Open 39% from EP. All double-suited hands should open-raise, because you can call 3-bets. All rainbow and monotone hands should fold.

All single-suited hands to the Ace shold open. Hands that are trip-suited to the Ace should only open with strong connectivity. Almost all single-suited hands without an Ace should fold. AQJ8 trip-suited can open.

A-high hands that are not suited to the A should usually fold (85% of the time). AKJ5 single-suited (to the K) can open. If you’re likely to play multiway, or in a high-rake environment, then fold all but the best single-suited hands with an offsuit Ace.

Button

You can open 97% from the button. Just fold the absolute worst, like QJT2 rainbow.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

Hands that are double-suited + A should often 3-bet, as long as they don’t have wheel cards. With wheel cards, it’s better to call.

Without an Ace, 70% of double-suited hands should fold. Connectivity is very important. Only 3-bet the absolute best double-suited, connected hands without an Ace. For example, 3-bet KJT7 double-suited. KJT5 double-suited is similar, but the 5 dangler makes it much worse; just fold.

The only single-suited hands that can 3-bet have four connected cards (all 7 and higher), and must have a suited A. For example, AQT8 single-suited can 3-bet. It’s also okay to just call.

All calling hands have a suited A. For example, AKT8 single-suited can call.

Almost all trip-suited hands should fold to an open raise, except for the best like AQT9 trip-suited. All rainbow and monotone hands should fold.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

BB should fold 57% of these hands to an EP raise. 38% should call, and 5% should 3-bet. Most important factors are connectivity and suitedness. 100% of rainbow should fold, whereas 100% of double-suited should call or 3-bet.

Hands that should fold: AKT4 single-suited (to the K). The 4 dangler is very bad. AKT5 single-suited (to the A) can call. In general, you should call hands that are suited to the A.

3-bet hands with the highest raw equity. Double-suited hands with good connectivity, such as AQT9. Very strong single-suited hands, like AJT8 single-suited.

BB Versus Button

Play 81% versus button open. Only fold the worst rainbow hands. If single-suited, only 3-bet with a suited A. About 14% of single-suited hands with a suited A can 3-bet.

Only the best connected hands should 3-bet. For example, AQT8 trip-suited. 82% of double-suited hands can 3-bet.

BB Versus Two Opponents (BB Versus Button & MP)

Fold 61%, call 32%, and squeeze 7%. Fold all rainbows (do bad multiway). Also fold AQT2 single-suited (to the T).

Almost all squeeze hands are double-suited with an A. Double-suited without an A should usually call.

Call with hands that are very playable but not nutted, or very nutted but not playable. For example, KJT3 double suited; AKT3 single-suited.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

Single-suited without an A should always call a 3-bet. Not holding an A means it is automatically well-connected, as it holds 3 cards between K and T.

Single-suited with a suited A should also always call. However, if single-suited, but not to the A, it should mostly fold (70%). Only the best-connected hands should call, like AJT8 (single-suited to the T).

Very few hands should 4-bet. They are well-connected, double-suited with an A, such as AJT8 double-suited.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

OOP, 40% should fold. It’s easy to be dominated by AAxx or KKxx. OOP, your 4-betting range should be wider than IP, because you prefer low SPR. 4-bet 3.4%. For example, AQT9 double-suited.

Single-suited hands without an A are connected enough to call. However, single-suited hands with an A should fold more often, because they are less connected, and do worse against our opponent’s Aces heavy 3-betting range.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

Call with all hands that don’t include an Ace. (BTN’s 4-betting range will be AAxx heavy). Without an A, we’re getting correct odds to call and hopefully flop a good pair with backup. Almost all double-suited hands can also call, even if it has an A.

However, if you are single-suited with A, you should fold more. Only 12% of single-suited with an A should call a 4-bet, because an A is dominated by Aces. Only the best single-suited A hands can call, such as AJT8 single-suited.

Category Four: Double-Paired

You’ll be dealt double pairs 1.04% of the time. The best is AAJJ double-suited. The average rank is 19.53%.

RFI Strategy

Open 82% from EP. Don’t open very disconnected hands with one low pair, or hands with low ranks that are rainbow. Example of fold is JJ33 rainbow. On the Button, 100% can be opened.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

MP should only fold 23%, when having the worst suitedness, connectivity, and high card rank. For example, 8822 rainbow. All double-paired Aces should 3-bet. Other double-paired hands can 3-bet if well-connected and double-suited, such as 8866 double-suited.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

EP has lots of high Broadway pairs in their open-range, so BB is easily dominated here. However, only the worst 3% should fold. For example, 9933 rainbow.

55% should call, that lack high cards, great suits, or excellent connectivity. For example, KK22 single-suited should call.

Hands that 3-bet either have Aces, high card strength, great suitedness, or great connectivity. For example, 6655 single-suited. While the rank and suitedness is marginal, the connectivity is good enough to 3-bet.

BB Versus Button

Call 17%, 3-bet 83%. Key factors for 3-betting are rank or pairs and suitedness. Rainbow hands need a very high ranked pairs. JJ88 rainbow is good enough to 3-bet, because its pairs are medium-strength and also connected. QQ33 rainbow should just call. Almost all single-suited double pairs can 3-bet, except the absolute weakest, like 8822 single-suited.

BB Versus Two Opponents (Button and MP)

Call 60% and squeeze 40%. However, exercise caution when you lack nuttiness. You can get into trouble flopping middle/ bottom set without backup. You’ll often have to call-down, facing two opponents in single-raised pots, rather than raising.

If you have some fold equity, your better hands should squeeze more to get heads-up with low SPR. You want a combination of high-rank pairs, connectivity, and suitedness. For example, QQ44 double-suited is good enough to squeeze. TT22 double-suited should just call.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

CO should never fold. When you flop a set (25% of the time), you’ll be happy to play a 3-bet pot IP.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

Even OOP, just fold 1.9%.

Exploitative Tip

If you believe opponent is 3-betting wide, you can include your best double-suited and connected hands into your 4-betting range. For example, 4-betting TT99 double-suited makes you more balanced, because opponents can’t assume you always have Aces when 4-betting. It’s also strong enough to call 5-bets.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

When you 3-bet from the SB, and are 4-bet by the Button, you’re supposed to fold 30%. Focus on the playability of the hand. You want to connect with as many flops as possible. All rainbow hands without AAxx should fold. KK66 single-suited should fold. However, KK33 double-suited can call.

Only 5-bet with Aces, or very strong double-suited connected hands, like KKTT double-suited. However, just calling with KKTT double-suited is fine as well. Depends on whether opponent’s 4-betting range only contains Aces.

Category Five: Rundowns

This category includes hands with 4 connected non-paired cards with a maximum of 2 gaps. You will be dealt a rundown 5.77% of the time. The best is AQJT double-suited, which is in the top 3%. The average rundown is top 43.76%. The worst is 7432 rainbow.

Rundowns with gaps at the bottom are better than gaps at the top. On a 972 flop, you’d much rather have JT8x than T86x or 865x.

RFI Strategy

Two key factors are ranks and suitedness. High rundowns are much better because they can flop high pairs and dominating draws. This is especially true from EP, where nuttiness is key. For example, 8754 is much worse than QJ98.

Overall, 56% should fold from EP, and 44% should open-raise. Rundowns with a Q should open 60% from EP, whereas, rundowns with a 4 should only open 20%.

92% of rainbow rundowns fold from EP. Only the most nutted, like AKQJ can open. About 50% of single-suited rundowns can open.

On the button, nuttiness is less important than playability. Only the bottom 22% of rundowns should fold. These have low cards or very bad suits, like 6532 single-suited.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

Medium/ low rundowns are often dominated. However, they still have good playability in heads-up pots because they flop smooth. About 12% should 3-bet. 3-bet rundowns are either double-suited or contain an Ace. Having an Ace decreases the chances you’ll be 4-bet. Other hands that can 3-bet are double-suited rundowns with strong connectivity and medium/ high ranks.

For example, T987 double-suited isn’t nutted, so doesn’t perform well multiway. However, it is very playable, so it should 3-bet.

The remaining 18% of rundowns should call. When you call an EP raise from MP, you’ll often play multiway, so focus on nuttiness. Higher rank rundowns call most often.

7654 single-suited lacks nuttiness, but isn’t strong enough to 3-bet. It should just call.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

BB folds 40% rundowns to EP raises. Fold low cards, and those with weak suidedness/ connectivity. For example, QJ87 trip-suited should fold, because the two-gap makes it weak.

BB should 3-bet 8.5%. They are all double-suited. All double-suited hands with an A should 3-bet. The absolute best double-suited hands should also 3-bet, like T987 double-suited.

BB Versus Button

BB should fold 26%, call 54%, and 3-bet 20%. We still 3-bet double-suited hands, especially with an Ace. We add more double-suited hands, and single-suited rundowns with an Ace.

For example, AKQJ trip-suited should call against an EP open, but can 3-bet a Button raise.

BB Versus Two Opponents (Button and MP)

With more players in the pot, we play tighter and focus on nuttiness. We call 54% in the BB. Being double-suited isn’t good enough if the rank is too low, because in multiway pots low suits are very weak.

About 10% of rundowns should squeeze. Focus on double-suited rundowns and A-high rundowns like AKQT single-suited. About half of all double-suited rundowns should squeeze.

6543 double-suited should call, but QT98 double-suited can 3-bet.

Exploitative Adjustment

Our 10% squeeze frequency is based on EP folding 50% to our squeeze. If EP folds less, we should squeeze much less. Don’t squeeze with any rundowns lower than T-high.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO vs SB)

We rarely fold rundowns IP to 3-bets. Only fold the worst, like Broadway rundowns with 2 gaps and weak suits, like AKT9 monotone. SB’s 3-betting range has a lot of Broadway pairs, which dominate weak Broadway rundowns. All other rundowns can call.

About 2.5% of rundowns should 4-bet. They should be double-suited, and contain an Ace. An example of a 4-betting hand is T976 double-suited.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

MP should only fold 7% of rundowns. Fold Broadway rundowns that are dominated by the CO’s Broadway-pair-heavy 3-betting range.

OOP, we should 4-bet rundowns more often to keep SPR low. MP should 4-bet 6%. KT98 double-suited should call a 3-bet IP, but OOP it should 4-bet.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

We should rarely 5-bet rundowns because they don’t have enough equity. 75% should call the 4-bet, and 25% should fold.

Good Rule of Thumb: Fold rundowns with 4 Broadway cards, call everything else. With 4 Broadways, we’re usually in bad shape against Aces, because many of our outs are blocked.

MegaWhale69’s note: This logic makes sense, but is still counter-intuitive to me. We don’t want to hold KQJT against Aces.

Category Six: Two Broadway Cards with Two Medium-Low Connectors

An example is KT64. You’ll be dealt this category 11.44% of the time. These hands are relatively low in equity, because they’re so disconnected. The best hand in this category is AT98 double-suited. The average rank is 39.5%.

RFI Strategy

From EP, only open 16%. AK75 double-suited is good enough to open. The nuttiness of A/K-high suits makes up for poor connectivity. However, AJ42 double-suited should fold. The J-high suit is less nutty, and the low cards are worse.

From the Button, 62% should open-raise. This category of hands all have decent connectivity/ decent playability. However, they often lack nuttiness, which is very important in EP. But from the Button, playability is more important, so the Button can open much more from this category.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

About 92% of this category should fold in the MP versus EP open-raise. These hands do poorly multiway. Only call the hands with the best nuttiness.

Almost all the hands that call have a suited Ace. Example, AQ54 double-suited can call.

The most connected double-suited hands can 3-bet. For example, QT97 double-suited can 3-bet, because it lacks nuttiness but is very playable.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

Against an EP raise, fold 78% and call 20%. EP’s range is much more nutted, and can easily dominate BB.

Call with hands with good playability. For example, AJ43 double-suited, and JT54 double-suited can call.

Hands with the absolute best playability can 3-bet, such as KT97 double-suited. Against a tight EP range, or an EP player who never folds to a 3-bet, we should never 3-bet.

BB Versus Button

BB should only fold 40%, call 51%, and 3-bet 9%. AK65 monotone can call in the BB versus Button open, but should fold versus an EP open. Against a Button open range, some high-card value and decent connectivity makes up for weak suitedness. Against an EP range, you need a strong combo of suitedness, connectivity, and high-card value.

Almost all of the 9% 3-betting range is double-suited. Double-suited hands with decent connectivity and high cards should 3-bet, such as KQ76 double-suited. When 3-betting, playability is most important. Rare single-suited hands can also 3-bet, such AJ98 single-suited.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

When we open from the CO, we have high playability. So, we should only fold to SB 3-bets 11%. For example, AK75 trip-suited (to the K) should fold.

About 5% can 4-bet. They are all double-suited, well-connected, and have an Ace. AJ97 double-suited can 4-bet, because it blocks Aces and is playable. Very rarely hands without an Ace can 4-bet, such as QT86 double-suited. Only 4-bet if opponent’s 3-betting range isn’t exclusively Aces, and you have fold equity.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

OOP, call less and 4-bet more. Fold about 24%. AK97 single-suited should fold, because it’s not playable enough OOP. IP it can call.

OOP, 10% of these hands can 4-bet. 4-betting hands are all double-suited with an Ace. OOP, our hands don’t need to be as connected. For example, OOP you can 4-bet AQ76 double-suited (to the A/7), but call IP.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

When we 3-bet from the SB, we already have lots of playability, so 80% can continue against a 4-bet. 80% of the double-suited hands should call, while 80% of the non-double-suited hands should fold. We should also fold AJ53 double-suited, because it has weak connectivity and low cards.

Single-suited hands that can call must be well-connected with high/ medium cards, such as KT97 single-suited. It’s not directly dominated by Aces.

Category Seven: Three Card Rundown with a Broadway Card

This category is all 3-card non-Broadway rundowns, with max 1 gap, plus a Broadway card. Example: K865. You’ll be dealt this category 6.34% of the time. On average, this category ranks 62.03%.

RFI Strategy

Early Position

Most hands in this category lack nuttiness. Therefore, 87% should fold. We mostly raise double-suited hands. However, if a double-suited hand doesn’t have an Ace, and has wheel-cards, it should fold. All other double-suited hands can open.

For example, Q653 double-suited lacks nuttiness and should fold. K876 double-suited is marginal; it can open, but should fold if you expect multiple callers.

Hands that are not double-suited should usually fold. Only open single-suited hands if they have a suited Ace with three medium/high cards. Even a suited Ace with wheel cards should fold.

Button

Raise 50% from the button. Nuttiness is less important. A 3-card rundown with an Ace should open 69%, whereas a 3-card rundown with a T should only open 22%.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

92% should fold, because they are easily dominated. The few that should call (5%) include the most well-connected Ace-high suited hands, like A876 single-suited. 3% should 3-bet, such as A876 double-suited.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

BB should play tight and fold 80%, and call the rest. No hand is strong enough to 3-bet. The 20% calling range is mainly double-suited and the best single-suited hands. Q765 double-suited can call. J432 double-suited has slightly lower ranks, so it should fold.

BB Versus Button

36% should call, and 4% can 3-bet. 3-bet hands that are double-suited with high-rank and great connectivity. For example, double-suited hands with A or K-high suit can 3-bet half the time, when they have medium/ high side cards. But T-high double-suited should never 3-bet.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

IP open-raiser should never fold. They all have smooth equity. The most connected double-suited hands with an Ace can 4-bet, such as A986 double-suited.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

Likewise, every hand that is good enough to open in MP can call a CO 3-bet. Just fold the worst 5%. MP should 4-bet 10% because it is OOP.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

These hands always call, even when OOP. If a hand in this category is strong enough to 3-bet, it is playable enough to call a 4-bet.

Category Eight: Mid-Low Pairs

This category includes hands with a single pair, between 22 and 99. You will be dealt this category 18.72% of the time. The average equity of this category is 59.35%.

RFI Strategy

Early Position

Only 8% should open from EP. Only the most nutted double-suited hands. For example, A766 double-suited; 7764 double-suited. A322 double-suited is close, but should fold because its rank is too low.

Button

Open 46% from the Button, focusing on the rank. 65% of 99xx should open, while only 25% of 22xx should open.

The second factor is suitedness. Only 8% of rainbow should open, while 88% of double-suited should open. Single-suited AJ33 (to the J) can open from the Button, but fold elsewhere.

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

These hands are usually non-nutted, so should usually fold to raises. 95% fold, 3% call, and 2% can 3-bet.

The hands that call are medium-high pairs, suited to the Ace, or very connected double-suited hands like 8876 double-suited. Hands that 3-bet are double-suited, with an Ace and decent connectivity, like AJ88 double-suited.

BB Versus One Opponent

BB Versus EP

BB should fold 79%, call 20%, and 3-bet 1%. Rank is most important, then suitedness and connectivity. 7754 single-suited is strong enough to call. 7762 double-suited is too weak, with the 2 dangler.

BB Versus Button

Fold 49%, call 48%, and 3-bet 3%. AJ22 double-suited should fold against an EP open, but can call versus BTN open. Same for 8772 double-suited.

8876 double-suited should call an EP open, but can 3-bet a BTN open. 8876 double-suited doesn’t have an Ace blocker, and Ace blockers are more important when defending EP’s open range. Additionally, you’re less likely to be dominated by the BTN’s range.

Big Blind Versus Two Opponents (Button & MP)

Facing two players, BB should fold 63% and call 36%. We fold a lot because we lack nuttiness. You can call with a suited Ace and great connectivity, or medium pair with good suit. For example, A322 double-suited can call; while it has a weak pair and weak connectivity, the nut suit justifies the call.

While small pairs aren’t nutted, they can call if they have backup. Flopping a set of deuces on a Q82 board is decent if you have a backdoor flush draw/ straight draw. Without backup, you’ll have more trouble getting to the river.

KQ44 single-suited should fold. Only the KQ are connected, and the suitedness isn’t good enough. Fold to avoid a multiway pot.

The top 1% can squeeze. Focus on the most connected double-suited hands, like KT99 double-suited, or double-suited hands with Ace blockers, like AK44 double-suited.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

Hands in this category flop pretty rough. However, our opening range from the CO requires decent connectivity/ suitedness in the first place. Therefore, we call 95% in position. Just fold with bad suitedness that is dominated by SB’s Aces/ Broadway heavy 3-betting range, like KQ99 trip-suited, or AJ88 rainbow.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

Even OOP, you can call most mid/ low pairs that were good enough to raise from MP. Just fold 14%.

It’s critical to consider how our calling range interacts with CO’s 3-betting range. KJ99 single-suited should fold; while 7754 single-suited should call. It seems counter-intuitive to fold the higher-ranked hand. However, CO is 3-betting hands with lots of Broadway cards and high pairs. 7754 is less likely to be dominated.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

SB should fold about half after 3-betting. BTN’s 3-betting range is skewed towards Aces, meaning low/medium pairs are heavily dominated. We call with the most connected non-Broadway double-suited hands, like JT99 double-suited, and 7765 double-suited.

Category Nine: Ragged Hands

This category is the largest, comprising 38.37% of all hands. Most of these hands have low raw equity and are always folded. The best in this category is AAAT single-suited. The average rank is 65.3%.

RFI Strategy

Early Position

Only 3% open from EP. This includes all AAAx, and double-suited hands that are connected, but not officially “rundowns,” like JT93 double-suited. The strengths make-up for the 3 dangler. QT96 double-suited can also open.

Additionally, double-suited hands with two Broadway cards and two somewhat connected non-Broadway cards can also open. (Category 6 was similar, but those hands had a maximum 1 gap between the two medium-low connectors). We can open some hands with 2, or even 3, gaps, like AJ85 double-suited, and AK63 double-suited.

Button

Button should open 27% and fold 73% of this category. Most hands with decent suitedness, connectivity, and high cards can open. For example, AJ96 single-suited can open; KJ96 single-suited (to the J) is marginal, but can open. Q975 single-suited should fold.

If you raise from the BTN, and are 3-bet, you can call with AJ96 single-suited, but fold KJ96 single-suited (to the J).

Facing a Single Raiser (MP Versus EP)

Fold 99%. Only the best double-suited Ace high hands can call, such as AK74 double-suited. You can 3-bet with single-suited trip-Aces. Even a hand like K875 double-suited isn’t nutted enough to call an EP raise.

BB Versus One Player

BB Versus EP

BB should fold 96%. The only hands that call are trip-Aces, and hands that are most playable, like AK74 single-suited and JT92 double-suited.

BB Versus Button

BB should call 23%, and 3-bet 1%. K964 double-suited should fold to an EP raise, but can call a BTN open.

BB Versus Two Opponents (Button and MP)

This category isn’t very nutted, so we only play 6% multiway. Hands that call are mostly double-suited with strong connectivity, or have an Ace and are somewhat connected.

For example, JT92 double-suited can call, because it is playable and the cards are medium-high. AT82 double-suited is more nutted and can also call.

However, don’t fall into the suited Ace trap. Just because a hand has a suited A doesn’t justify always calling from the BB in a multiway pot. We need additional components to call.

Facing a 3-bet IP (CO Versus SB)

We only open 10% from the CO, so we can usually call when 3-bet. Fold the worst, like AQQQ single-suited. The main strength is suitedness, but this doesn’t justify calling a 3-bet.

Always 4-bet AAAx. Trip Aces benefit from pushing their equity advantage and lowering SPR. Trip Aces lack playability, and prefer playing as few streets as possible.

Facing a 3-bet OOP (MP Versus CO)

70% of our opening range should call, 19% fold, and 11% 4-bet. Our 4-betting range is mostly trip-Aces. Example of hand that calls IP but folds OOP is AJ95. The realizability isn’t great, but good enough when IP. OOP, it should fold to a 3-bet.

Facing a 4-bet (SB Versus Button)

After 3-betting and facing a 4-bet, SB should fold 54%. Only the best can call or 5-bet. 5-bet trip Aces to push your equity advantage. Call with double-suited, connected hands like T875 double-suited. These hands flop well against Aces.

Chapter 5: Four Pillars of Postflop Analysis

Equity: This is your chance of winning the pot at showdown. We also take equity realization into account.

Polarization: This describes who has the equity edge at the top 30% of their distribution.

Position: Which player acts first or last.

Stack-to-pot Ratio: How much money is in the pot relative to the effective stack.

Pillar 1: Equity

We should consider raw equity, but also fold equity and realizability. In general, the more equity you have, the more often you bet. Equity and equity realizability are the biggest drivers of postflop aggression in PLO.

In general, you shouldn’t bet hands on the flop that don’t play well in large turn/ river spots, or have marginal equity versus opponent’s calling range. We don’t want to bloat the pot on the flop and then fold on the turn or river.

Hand Examples

We 4-bet the CO versus BTN 3-bet. We are OOP with an SPR 1.

Flop #1: 732 rainbow. This is an excellent board for us. Our 4-betting range has 65% equity. We have lots of Aces, while villain rarely has two pair or better, given that he 3-bet from the BTN. We should go all-in with 100% of our range.

Flop #2: JT9 single-suited. This flop is much worse for the 4-better, we only have 40% equity. We should go all-in with 20% of our range, and check the rest.

Pillar 2: Polarization

Polarization refers to who has the equity edge on the top 10-30% of their hands.

For example, if BTN opens, and SB 3-bets, and the flop comes 754 single-suited, the SB has the raw equity edge on the bottom 70% of its hands, but the BTN has the polarity edge on the top 30%. In other words, BTN has a few hands that crush the flop, while SB has lots of hands that do very well.

In general, the SB has 52% equity while the BTN has 48% equity. However, the BTN can have more sets, 2 pair, combo draws, combo made hands and draws, and straights. The SB is more likely to have overpair plus flush draw, overpair and two pairs, overpair with gutshot and BDFD, and fewer flopped straights.

While the SB has a slight raw equity advantage, it rarely c-bets this flop. SB doesn’t want to build a pot versus BTN’s stronger range.

However, if this were a 4-bet pot with SPR 1, then polarization matters less, and SB would bet pot with most Aces.

Pillar 3: Position

Control

Playing IP gives you more control over the pot, as you can decide whether to bet or see a free card. The higher the SPR, the higher your positional advantage/ disadvantage, because it’s harder to go all-in on the flop or turn. More streets will be played, helping IP’s positional advantage.

In Position

The nuts change often in PLO, which makes playing OOP difficult. IP can make thinner value bets and more effective bluffs. IP can also force more bets before going to showdown.

Therefore, IP generally prefers smaller bet sizing than OOP. Betting small means OOP will continue more often, with a weaker range at a higher SPR.

Out of Position

OOP can’t force a free card. OOP usually bets less often, with a bigger sizing. OOP doesn’t want to play multiple streets on wet boards. With bigger bets, OOP maximizes fold equity and lowers SPR. Therefore, OOP doesn’t bet most medium-strength hands, unless SPR is already low.

When SPR is high, OOP bets less frequently than IP. OOP protects its checking range with more medium-strength and strong hands.

OOP also has a special weapon, the check-raise. Check-raising allows OOP to end the hand on the flop, or significantly lower SPR. Check-raising a non-polarized IP c-betting strategy is very effective because we deny opponent’s pot equity.

IP must consider the threat of OOP’s check-raise when constructing IP’s c-betting range.

Pillar 4: Stack-to-pot Ratio

When SPR is 1, you get 2-1 pot odds and need 33% equity to stack-off. If SPR is 0.5, you get 3-1 odds and need 25% equity. When SPR is 4, you need 44% equity to stack off.

When SPR is low, polarity and position matters less.

Hypo: Hero opens from EP, and villain calls in CO. Flop comes KJ6 rainbow. Here, the CO caller has lots of KKxx in their calling range. CO’s calling range interacts strongly with a KJx board.

With SPR 10, EP should only c-bet 8%. With SPR 4, EP should c-bet 20%. When SPR is 2, EP c-bets 39%, and when SPR is 1, EP c-bets 55%. With low SPR, equity matters more and polarity/ position matter less.