Preflop Raises (tell this newbie how it's +ev) & other Q

[shovelhead]

I've read that you should always raise with hands like JT98ds because it is so strong, and that you want many players in, so a raise of about 3xbb is correct.
I'm trying to understand the reasoning in PLO play, is this raise a "value" raise? in that you are trying to build a bigger pot? Lets define the table as a full, lower limit ($25 thru $100 buy-in) made up of somewhat loose, passive players. It's still going to be a longshot of hitting a straight on the flop, or even the wrap draw, and your flushes are too low to bet/call/chase. With a multi-way pot, I'd think it -EV to bet the flop without at least a wrap draw (so it's a total bluff/continuation bet/steal). Please explain the math/ or reason raising this hand makes more money than limping with.

Also, what would you say are the ranges of (pokertracker) VP$IP that are most profitable?
I understand they will differ based on the players postflop skills, table texture and all, but what would be the low range, and what would be the high range, where going beyond would surely be ill-advised at the lower stakes tables.
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

[Aisthesis]

Well, if you get this one figured out, please let me know! I think it's more of an art than a science in Omaha.

I do think that your 3xBB quantity is a good starting point, and frankly, I have no objection to a minimum raise in Omaha.

Here are some of my opinions, anyway: At this point, I never raise anything except in CO and on the button. And I'd much prefer to raise any wrap at all to raising big pairs.

The reason for that hand selection is that they simply don't expect it. Lots of players do expect a CB, and that can give you a free card to the turn, which is often nice on wraps.

The reason for raising only in LP is that imo you really never want to thin the field in Omaha. You always want as many players in the pot as possible on your strong hands--just gives you better odds.

I also think big one gappers like 9TQK are nice raising hands. Double-suited is also sweet but not really critical imo.

Now, this is all kind of strange because PF, any AA hand is always favorite over anything else--just not by a whole lot. But the problem I've had with raising AA is the continuation bet issue. I've actually had pretty good luck with just buying the pot with my AA on most boards if it's checked around in a limp pot (and in that case, the AA is probably good anyway). But, if you've raised, now they're expecting a CB and you get into all of these check-raises for that reason. Moreover, the cost of buying the pot is much larger.

Hence, I'm inclined to restrict my LP raises to wrappy-type hands and to very strong AA, KK and QQ hands. Something like AAKQ (preferably ds but not necessarily), KKQJ, QQJT, AAJJ, etc.

And, actually, I almost think the best way to go is to make a CB only when you need to protect your hand--like top set with flush and straight draws out there. Then, if it gets checked around again on the turn, you can go ahead and buy it with the (presumably good) overpair and you also get a free card for any draws you might have.

I think it's a bit different at tight-ish tables, though. If you end up seeing the flop HU or even 3-way, then an overpair becomes very bettable imo. But I still don't mind raising the wraps, too. They're very strong hands, and you're playing them with position.

Anyhow, I think you're also on the right track with the idea of raises more as value raises in this game. You definitely don't want to hang onto good-looking hands PF too long because the flop changes everything entirely in Omaha (much more than in HE).

Moreover, I don't think it's a bad thing not to raise at all, although I do think that eventually you want to get into some kind of raising strategy as part of your game.