Adjusting your playing style based on the number of opponents in PLO

A tighter playing style might help you win more when going up against fewer players

In Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), adjusting your playing style based on the number of opponents is crucial for success. Unlike in Texas Hold’em, where each player receives two hole cards, in PLO, each player is dealt four hole cards, leading to a wider range of starting hand possibilities and more potential for post-flop action.

When facing a single opponent in PLO, a tighter playing style is generally recommended. With only one opponent, it is less likely for someone to have a stronger hand than yours. Hence, it is important to focus on playing premium hands and avoiding marginal ones. This means folding weak hands like low pairs or single suited connectors that lack connectivity.

In contrast, when facing multiple opponents in PLO, a looser playing style can be profitable. With more players involved in the hand, the likelihood of someone holding a stronger hand increases. It becomes necessary to widen your starting hand range to capture more value from the pot. Hands with strong potential, like double suited broadway cards or even middling connectors with two suits gain value, as they can potentially make high-quality flushes or straights.

Playing speculative hands, such as small suited connectors or small pairs, can also be profitable against multiple opponents in PLO. These hands can often make disguised hands that can trap opponents or win big pots. However, one must exercise caution when drawing to low- or mid-strength hands, as they can become easily dominated by stronger holdings.

Additionally, post-flop play becomes more challenging as the number of opponents increases. Bluffing becomes less effective, as there are more players likely to have strong hands. Consequently, using a stronger hand selection strategy and focusing on value betting and extracting maximum value from your opponents becomes paramount.