Set Over Set

In Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), the dynamics surrounding sets are markedly different from those in Texas Hold’em, especially when it comes to middle and bottom sets. This difference is crucial for PLO players to understand and adapt to.

Set-over-Set in Omaha

1. Frequency of Set-over-Set: In Omaha, where each player receives four hole cards instead of two, the occurrence of set-over-set situations is significantly higher compared to Hold’em. This increased likelihood changes the way sets should be played and valued.
2. Vulnerability of Middle and Bottom Sets: While in Hold’em, hitting a set often leads to strong play through to the river, in Omaha, middle and bottom sets are much more vulnerable. They can be small favorites against big draws or significantly disadvantaged against top sets. The presence of four hole cards per player increases the chances that someone else has hit a bigger set.
3. Top Set Preference: Top set is understandably more favored in PLO. It’s generally safer and more profitable to play aggressively with the top set compared to middle or bottom sets.
4. Risks with Middle and Bottom Sets: When faced with considerable action, middle and bottom sets often find themselves in perilous situations. They can be outmatched by higher sets or strong drawing hands, making them less reliable for winning big pots.

PLO Big-Play Concepts

• Concept #8: In large pot scenarios, middle and bottom sets often find themselves either slightly ahead of drawing hands or significantly behind bigger sets. This makes them risky hands to play aggressively in big pots.
• Concept #9: Smaller pairs are generally less valuable in PLO. Given the game’s structure, even flopping a set with a small pair doesn’t guarantee safety from straight possibilities or higher sets. Specifically, a pair of sevens is noted as the smallest pair that can make a top set on the flop without an immediate straight threat on the board.