Trap Hands in Pot Limit Omaha
Pot Limit Omaha can be an intricate game, but you can make it easier for yourself by taking the time to identify trap hands and learn how to play them. Too many players ignore these hands, and end up paying a stiff price.
The reason why Pot Limit Omaha trap hands are so dangerous is that they look good to play, but in actuality can be very dangerous. One of the most deceptive are pairs, 88 and below. For example, if your starting hand gives you an 88, and the board shows up another 8, you are standing on shaky ground.
You have the set, true, but it is a low one. Given the number of hands in Omaha, plus if there are face cards on the board, the odds are high that someone has a superior set, or even better hand. If you are in early position or mid, and you are raised, then your choice is to either have to fold or try to go for the other eight.
The right Pot Limit Omaha strategy is to actually fold such a hand, and the only thing that should keep you playing it would be if you have committed a lot of money to the pot.
Another Pot Limit Omaha trap hand are the low connectors, like 5-2. You might get this in your starting hand, and while it seems like an easy straight, it is a low one. Once you get that hand, you are stuck with it. There is no other winning combination that you can get, and if the board shows up plenty of suited cards, you are in trouble.
The same scenario must be avoided when you are trying to go for a flush draw. Make certain that you have a high one, and if it is not there, consider just folding the hand. While you may have lost the opportunity at this hand, consider it an investment for the next game. The money that you saved by giving up this game can be used for the next one.
Trap hands in Pot Limit Omaha may be harder to detect than in most games, given the fact that a lot of players, coming in from Texas Holdem, may just be enamored at the sight of a flush or straight. Do not be fooled, and try to get the highest value you can, and you will be spared a lot of problems.
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