Many players play No-Limit Texas Hold’em and have become decent at it. Why would you want to take time and energy away from a game you can beat to learn a new format? Here are four good reasons why you should consider adding PLO to your poker repertoire.
1. There are Significantly More Weak Players
PLO attracts a variety of different players to the game. With that, there is no short supply of bad players piling stacks of chips in the pot with dominated hands and draws. Many of these players make critical mistakes, both pre-flop and post-flop.
Watching PLO games reminds me of the No-Limit Texas Hold’em games in the early 2000s when I fell in love with poker. It is common for several players to limp in the pot only to call a raise with a weak range out of position.
In lower games, the population limps almost four times more often than it raises. These passive players bleed money pre-flop and post-flop.
Many players moving to PLO are also action players who like to see flops. They are seeking livelier games and bigger action. They play 50% or more of their hands pre-flop in hopes of hitting a strong hand or draw post-flop.
The problem is that many of them significantly overestimate the value of their hand post-flop. With so many bad players dumping money in the middle, profits go up for those who know how to take advantage of it.
2. Win Rates are Higher
Let’s face it. Most poker players play to make money. Playing is fun, and it should be, but no one wants to be a long-term loser at the game.
It’s no secret that No-Limit Texas Hold’em has gotten significantly tougher. Even the average weak player has a basic conceptual understanding of ranges, relative hand strength, and equity matchups.
This is not the case in PLO. Many players do not understand how to apply those same concepts to PLO. With that comes bigger mistakes and bigger mistakes, leading to bigger win rates for the players who understand these concepts.
How much bigger? I have seen numbers as high as three times that of Texas Hold’em win rates at the same mid- and high-stakes levels. Imagine doubling or even tripling your win rate simply by investing time in learning a new game.
3. There are Less Resources to Learn the Game
I can imagine you are pretty confused right now. How is this a good thing? The first two reasons are directly linked to the lack of resources available. If I asked you to give me a list of No-Limit Texas Hold’em books, strategy sites, and free resources available to someone wanting to learn the game, it would easily eclipse PLO content.
Additionally, much of the free content available is bad and significantly outdated. The good news is that quality content is available for those willing to invest in their game. With the current state of PLO, it does not take long for you to start winning with some dedicated study.
If you want to accelerate your learning and drive your win rate up faster, check out our friends at PLO Mastermind. They have all the video content and study tools you need to improve your game quickly.
4. It’s Simply More Fun
Anyone who has spent some time watching a PLO game will notice it’s lively and action-packed. We already mentioned that we want to win money, but what is the point if we are not having fun, too? Who enjoys grinding it out at a tense table? That is what it feels like every time I sit down at a No-Limit Hold’em table.
PLO games tend to be friendlier and much livelier than other games. Players often get stacks in, but you rarely get the blowups you see in Texas Hold’em. Poker is not fun when you must deal with it. Stop grinding and get back to enjoying the game.
That’s all for this post. I hope that I have you ready to try this exciting game. If you enjoy discussing and studying PLO, join our PLO Study Group on Discord and grow alongside many other dedicated players working to improve their game. Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on content.
