Pot-limit Omaha is a game that looks a lot like Texas holdem poker, but has some important differences that can be devastating to the uninitiated. Since the game is played pot limit, meaning players can bet the amount that is in the pot at any time, mistakes can potentially cost a player his or her entire stack. One of the wildest features of the game is that it can sometimes be correct to fold the best hand.

When to Fold the Best Hand in Pot-Limit Omaha
How can it ever be correct to fold the best hand? The answer comes from the drawing nature of the game. Let’s say you hold 6s 7s 8h 9h. The flop comes 7d Td Jc. A player bets the pot, another calls and the next player moves all-in. What should you do? Even though you have the nuts, you should probably fold. Why? It's because you have no redraws. That is to say, even though you have the best hand now, you cannot improve. It wouldn’t be worth betting on even in free online poker tournaments.

On the other hand, there are a wide variety of cards that can improve your opponents. Any diamond and you will lose to a flush. If the board pairs on the turn or river you will probably lose to a full house, and if a 9, Q, K or A comes, you may lose to a higher straight.

That means roughly half the deck is out against you with two cards to come, which are not favorable odds.

Example of Your Nut Hand Being Way Behind In Omaha
Let’s say you called all-in on the above hand, as did your three opponents. They turn over: Qc Kc Ah As, Jh Jd Ts Th, and Kd 3d Ks Js. These are all hands that could be played in a pot-limit Omaha game and every one of them is a favorite over your nut hand. In fact, your made straight with no redraws is only a little better than 17 percent to win in this situation, not a number that should inspire anyone to commit his or her entire stack.

How to Avoid A No Redraw Situation in Omaha
The best way to avoid a situation like the one above is not to play hands like 6s 7s 8h 9h in the first place. Even though this hand is a wrap, meaning multiple straight possibilities, it is likely to make the second best straight, as well as the second best flush or worse. A hand like this is much more likely to get you into trouble than to make you any money.

Wait for very strong hands with multiple draws to the nuts and push them hard if you want to win at the art of poker called pot-limit Omaha!