playing loose tables , omaha hi/lo

[phildinn]

I am considering a new strategy for playing omaha hi/lo against loose tables. I usualy play pot limit but have been experimenting with limit. I play 2/4 at absolute poker. The tables are extremely loose pre and post flop. I am getting damaged hitting top or middle set and leading out or raising. More often than not (depending on how many see flop) I am getting sucked out on by a 6 high flush or sucker straight. I would like to hear some opinions of how to play top or middle set on the flop against an average of four players. The thing is when the flush or straight shows on the board sometimes they are betting two pair or just betting because you checked, so often (especialy in limit I pay them off). How do you handle loose play in a limit game?

 

[JimboJim]

well I'm not very experiance at omaha or at limit games but I've been playing a lot of both recently. I play the micro limits on pokerstars (very loose) and I play ultra tight preflop most of the time.
I find the you usually get decent odds when you have any chance at the nuts and the only time I raise is when I get them. The only reads I pay attention to is if a player is raising on every street (usually with nothing) If it just me and them in the pot I'll probably always call with any made hand.
My advice is definantly not sound advice but any input is good input in my opinion. I usually get paid off for my losses when I do make the hand and until recently been pretty profitable doing it.

 

[Stefanicov]

Ok if you are playing at a very loose tble just call down your top middle sets till they make houses then bet like a banshee seems to be the obvious answer i only ply hds up pl so take what i say with a pinch of salt

 

[millarski]

In LO8 sets are very vulnerable as they usually need to fill up to win. I will often fold a set if there is a lot of action before me and the flop is pretty scary. If you decide to play your set then you should check call and at least see the turn and try and fill up cheaply. If the turn brings another scare card you can let your hand go.

The only time a set is worth betting/raising is when you have top set on an uncoordinated rainbow flop. Betting bottom or middle set is risky because if a higher card than your set pairs the board you are at risk of losing to a higher full house.

Are you playing lost of hands with big pairs? The reason I ask is that these hands are very overrated. A hand like KK42 double suited has a lower win expectation than an unsuited A2xx. They should only be played from late position or to defend your blind. I fold most middle pair hands unless they have a suited A2 or A3.

 

[phildinn]

Ok thanks Millarski. I can see where you coming from. I dont play a lot of big pairs unless its late or I have an a2,a3 with it. I do like to call a raise in pot limit with any big pair. Usually if I hit my set I can push hard and get it to atleast heads up with a good chance of holding on.

In the limit games I am losing to some gut shot straights usually. If the obvious draw hits I can get away. The problem is I know my set is good but I cant get anyone to fold in limit. I like your advice and will check call unless the board is weak.

Thanks

 

[millarski]

If you have a set in LO8 and have no low draw and there are two low cards on the board you shouldn't be trying to push people out. Most people play low cards and its unlikely that anyone will fold. You're better off seeing the hand through as cheaply as possible. The time to push people out is on high flops especially if you have other draws to go with your set, for example KKQJ on a board of K-10-3.

The way I play sets is pretty passive but in a full ring they will cost you a lot of bets if you go to war with them. I found that out the hard way and since I've slowed down with them my LO8 sessions have been more profitable because I'm losing less on these type of hands.

 

[mrsnake3695]

One of the big keys to Omaha H/L is starting hand requirements. I would advise reading Super system 2 as there is a very good section on Omaha H/L there.

You should avoid hands with middle cards like 7 8 9 10s, even if paired. Rarely play hands that can't scoop. Usually you need at least one ace, suited preferably. Sets rarely stand up by themselves. If there are 3 flush cards or 3 straight cards chances are your set is no good.

Pocket pairs are not as good as they look in Omaha and you should have other cards to help if you have a pair. For instance QQ86 is not a good hand but QQA2 especially if suited is playable. Don't fall in love with pocket pairs even if big without help.