Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) is a thrilling variant of poker that has grown rapidly in popularity. Unlike Texas Hold’em, where players start with two hole cards, PLO gives each player four hole cards, creating a dynamic and complex game. Success in PLO requires a keen understanding of starting hand selection, as this decision can greatly impact your overall performance. In this article, we’ll dive into the best starting hands in Pot-Limit Omaha, providing you with the knowledge to make better decisions and increase your chances of winning.
 The Basics of PLO Starting Hands
In PLO, you must use exactly two of your four hole cards in combination with three of the five community cards to make the best possible five-card hand. This key difference from Texas Hold’em means that many starting hands that might seem strong in Hold’em could be weaker in Omaha, and vice versa. The goal is to start with hands that have the potential to make the nuts (the best possible hand) in multiple ways.
The Importance of Connectivity, Suitedness, and High Cards
When evaluating starting hands in PLO, three factors are crucial: connectivity, suitedness, and high card value. Connectivity refers to how well your cards can form straights; suitedness increases the chances of making flushes, and high cards are valuable for making strong pairs, sets, and top-end straights or flushes.
Top Starting Hands in Pot-Limit Omaha
A♠A♥ K♦ K♣ (Double-Suited)
This is considered one of the best starting hands in PLO. Not only do you have a pair of aces, but the presence of kings adds significant value, especially when they are double-suited. This hand has high potential for making top sets, flushes, and nut straights, giving you multiple paths to win.
A♦ A♣ J♠T♠(Double-Suited)
Aces are always strong in PLO, but this hand’s strength is enhanced by its connectivity and suitedness. The combination of aces with J-T allows for potential straight draws, and the double-suitedness offers multiple flush possibilities. This hand is especially powerful in multi-way pots where the nut potential is crucial.
A♠K♠Q♠J♦ (Single or Double-Suited)
This hand is highly connected and has the potential to make the Broadway straight (A-K-Q-J-10), which is a dominant hand in PLO. The presence of high cards also ensures that if a flush draw comes in, it will often be the nuts. Double-suited versions of this hand provide even more flexibility and potential.
K♠K♦ Q♠J♦ (Double-Suited)
While not as strong as having aces, this hand still holds considerable value due to its connectivity and double-suited nature. Kings are strong in PLO, and the Q-J connection allows for strong straight possibilities. The double-suited aspect adds flush draws, making this hand a formidable starting choice.
Q♦ Q♣ J♠T♠(Double-Suited)
Queens, while less powerful than aces or kings, can still be highly effective when paired with connected and suited cards. This hand is strong in making the nut straight, and the double-suited feature means you also have flush potential. In PLO, where the nuts often win the pot, this hand provides a solid starting point.
A♠A♣ X♠X♣ (Double-Suited with Low Cards)
Even with low or medium connectors (like 7-8 or 9-10), this hand is powerful because the aces and double-suited nature give it robust drawing potential. The low cards can sometimes hit surprising straights, catching opponents off guard. The key is the aces, which remain the foundation of this hand’s strength.
Hands to Be Cautious With
A♠K♠9♦ 4♦ (Single-Suited)
Although aces and kings are strong, the lack of connectivity and the single suit limit this hand’s potential. It can be difficult to play post-flop, especially if the board doesn’t hit your cards hard.
Q♦ J♦ 7♠2♣ (Single-Suited)
This hand has some connectivity but is overall weak due to the low card values and single-suited nature. Hands like this are prone to being dominated by stronger straight and flush draws.
8♦ 7♠6♦ 5♠(Single-Suited)
While connected, this hand’s low value makes it risky. In PLO, low straights are often dominated by higher ones, and single-suited flush draws are less powerful without the potential for hitting the nuts.
Starting hand selection in Pot-Limit Omaha is a critical factor that influences your success. The best hands typically have a combination of high cards, connectivity, and suitedness, which increases their potential to make strong hands post-flop. Understanding which hands are worth playing and which ones to avoid can significantly boost your winning chances. Always remember that PLO is a game of draws, and the hands that give you multiple ways to make the nuts are usually the most profitable.
