Subject: Re: Omaha 8/b From The Experts
From: pacpalbuzz@aol.comnospam (PacPalBuzz)
Newsgroups: rec.gambling.poker
Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2003 6:03 PM
Message-ID: <20030306210347.22296.00000005@mb-fb.aol.com>

<< Subject: Omaha 8/b From The Experts
From: "Mr Magoo" anonymous@yahoo.com 
Date: Thu, Mar 6, 2003 3:26 PM
Message-id: <3e67d90d$0$962$9a6e19ea@news.newshosting.com> >>


Mr. Magoo - <<"Why am I explaining this? Most players seem to think having 4
cards in their hand allows them to play more hands, when in reality they should
play LESS hands. Let me repeat that, in Omaha 8/b YOU SHOULD BE SEEING LESS
FLOPS than you do in holdem.">>

Why is this so? 

<<"More later, if you are interested.">>

Sure. Keep it coming. 

<<"When the flop comes something like 256 with two of your suit, someone with
A3 will probably bet out (figuring you for A2)">>

Seems like this might work to your disadvantage - depending, of course. 

<<"let's say you are UTG with AA23 double suited.">> 

I actually was dealt AA23d once last month. It had been about a year before
that when I was last dealt the ideal starting hand. I don't expect to see it
again for a while. Be nice when I do. 

<<"Most players will take a card off on the flop to hit their draw. This is
where you must punish the one way hands.">>

Perhaps a good tip. At any rate, it makes sense to me for some players in some
games in which I play. Although I haven't thought exactly in this fashion,
except as an occasional variance to mix up my play,  (There are some other ways
to think.), I'll try it. 

<<"Usually the best possible hand is out there.">> 

I don't think that statement is generally true, except perhaps in nofoldum
games. The statement holds closest for lows and non-back-door flushes. For most
other board possibilities (especially paired boards and boards where
runner-runner straights and flushes become possible) the statement is false.
However, the statement may be good advice to keep beginners playing more
tightly. 

<<"(2) Any A3xx if the ace is suited. You are hoping for the flush, but you can
live with going for the low with the second nut hand. Hopefully a 2 hits the
board.">>

I get in trouble with this hand. I (generally) keep playing it, but I get in
trouble with it, particularly against crafty opponents. 

<<"(3) Any 4 prime low cards A23456. If you have 4 of these bad boys, see a
flop. The only questionable combo is 3456, which you may want to fold because
it can get you in trouble. Again, you are looking to flop draws to the nuts.">>

You're not mentioning position here, nor the type of game, both of which seem
important in playing some of these hands, such as 2456 and A456. T. J. Cloutier
indicates 3456 is a trap hand, which, along with 4567 and 5678 should be
avoided in Omaha-8.   
  
<<"(4) Any A with 2 prime low cards.">>

As4h5d9c under the gun in a loose, aggressive game? Yikes! 

<<"(7) Any 4 card wrap combo that include a Ten and a picture cards (such as
89TJ)">>

I did some thinking about 89TJ a while back and decided it would not, on the
average, pay back what it cost to play the hand in O-8. I think maybe it's very
playable in Omaha-high, but in O8 I would tend to generally avoid playing 89TJ
in most situations. 

You have some interesting ideas, most, but not all, of which seem correct. 

But I'm not an expert - just a student of the game. 

Thanks for your post. 

Buzz