In PLO Poker, two-card hands have lesser value than three-card hands. Pairs and three a kind also have different value weights. So for hand ranking, it’s crucial to understand the value of each card combination.
Below is the hand ranking order from strongest to weakest:
- Royal flush
- Straight flush
- Four of a kind
- Full house
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a kind
- Two pair
- One pair
- High card
It’s important to note that a “nut” hand is the best possible hand for a given situation. Therefore, in PLO, players will often have nut straights or flushes, and a player with the nut hand has the highest possible straight or flush in the game.
Examples of Hand Rankings in PLO Poker
Example 1:
Player A: Ad, 2s, 3c, 7h
Community Cards: 5h, 6h, Jc, Jh, 10s
Player A has a straight on the board. The best possible hand is a straight from the Ace to the five, known as a Wheel or the nut straight.
Example 2:
Player B: 2h, 5s, 7d, 10h
Community Cards: 9s, 8s, Jc, Jh, Qc
Player B has a flush. The best possible hand is an Ace-high flush, starting from the ten to the Ace, making the nut flush.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PLO Poker
PLO Poker can be very lucrative but also can result in significant losses if not played correctly. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when playing PLO Poker.
Overvaluing Hands
Players often make the mistake of overvaluing their hands in PLO. The game has sixteen made hands, so many hands have potential, making it difficult for players to fold sometimes. Being aware of your opponents’ potential hands and an accurate evaluation of your hand’s strength is crucial to avoiding overvaluing your hand.
Playing Too Many Hands
PLO Poker is an action-packed game, and it’s easy to get excited and play more hands than necessary. It’s essential to stick to a sound strategy and play only strong hands that have the potential to win. You will need to be patient and attentive to increase your chances of winning.
Not Understanding Position
PLO Poker has different positions that play significantly into the Poker hand ranking. Players who don’t understand how positions work may frequently lose to people who do. You should be aware of your seating position and adjust your card selection appropriately to maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion
So, that’s our comprehensive guide to the hand ranking in PLO Poker. While it can be challenging to master PLO, the reward makes it worthwhile. The game’s primary objective is to have the best possible combination of the hand, and as you practice, you will eventually understand the ranking and become an expert in PLO Poker.
To become a good PLO player, we recommend learning the terminology and strategies by adopting a beginner’s mindset first. We also recommend studying the different hand combinations and paying attention to the common mistakes people make when playing the game. Once you have learned the basics, you can then try more complex strategies and compete against advanced players.
So, are you ready to try your luck at mastering the hand ranking in PLO Poker?
