Cash Game PLO Beginners Question (1 Viewer)

[Sprinsd]

I have never played PLO before but I want to start playing. I have a few questions below regarding calculating the pot. I know there is a formula to calculate “pot” but these are more general questions.

1) in a PLO game does everyone in the hand know what the pot is at all times? To me it seems hard to believe that everyone at the table is mathematically capable of keeping track of the pot.

2). If someone calls “pot” do they have to know the size of the pot or will the dealer say what the pot is or count the chips in the pot?

Just a few things I have always wondered. I would love to try PLO but don’t want to look like a complete fool. Thanks..

 

[Ronoh]

No and no

 

[dickzapper]

1. No they do not.

2. Saying 'pot' commits you to a pot bet or a pot raise. If you want the pot counted you have to ask the dealer something like, "Can I get a count?" You can say "what's the pot?" but it opens the door for confusion.

 

[v1pe]

When we play PLO, I try to keep track of the size of the pot as bets are made. Sometimes we round if it's an odd amount. As the dealer at my game I try to take responsibility for knowing the size of the pot and the allowed max bet at all times.

 

[ranger764]

I’m glad you asked those questions. I wondered the same, but don’t really play pot limit, but was interested how that works. Seems like a little bit of a PIA

 

[upNdown]

The thing that gave me trouble when I started was that a pot sized raise isn't the amount that's in the pot. First you calculate what you'd need to put in to call, then you raise everything that's in the pot.
So if the pot is 100 and somebody opens for 50 and you raise pot, you have to put in 250?
Ugh, still confused. I think that's right.

 

[David O]

The thing that gave me trouble when I started was that a pot sized raise isn't the amount that's in the pot. First you calculate what you'd need to put in to call, then you raise everything that's in the pot.
So if the pot is 100 and somebody opens for 50 and you raise pot, you have to put in 200.

$50 for the call which makes the pot $200 and then you put in $200 which is $250 total

 

[v1pe]

The thing that gave me trouble when I started was that a pot sized raise isn't the amount that's in the pot. First you calculate what you'd need to put in to call, then you raise everything that's in the pot.
So if the pot is 100 and somebody opens for 50 and you raise pot, you have to put in 250?
Ugh, still confused. I think that's right.

Yes, this is by far the hardest part, especially after a few drinks...

I think you're right. 150 in the pot, 50 to call plus you can raise the amount of the pot after the call, which would be a raise of 200, so 250 total.

 

[Sprinsd]

The thing that gave me trouble when I started was that a pot sized raise isn't the amount that's in the pot. First you calculate what you'd need to put in to call, then you raise everything that's in the pot.
So if the pot is 100 and somebody opens for 50 and you raise pot, you have to put in 250?
Ugh, still confused. I think that's right.

I mean when I play NLH I have a close estimate of pot size but PLO seems like it could be way over my head lol...

 

[upNdown]

$50 for the call which makes the pot $200 and then you put in $200 which is $250 total

You're too quick! I realized my error and fixed it, but not before you quoted it.

 

[v1pe]

I mean when I play NLH I have a close estimate of pot size but PLO seems like it could be way over my head lol...

You just have to keep track of it as it plays out. 4 players to the flop with a 50 cent open? $2.00 plus blinds. $1.50 bet on the flop with one call? Now we're up to $5 pot. It definitely takes a lot more attention, but it's good practice for NLHE as well so that you can really tailor your bet sizing appropriately.

 

[David O]

You're too quick! I realized my error and fixed it, but not before you quoted it.

I figured you knew but just wanted to make sure the OP got the correct amount

 

[FDLmold]

Remember POT = 3x previous bet plus all the other money in the pot (unless some of the other money is part of a previous bet you made)

So in a 25c 50c blinds game, if somebody pots it to $1.75, re-pot is 3*1.75 + 75c, or $6

That shortcut helps as much as anything.

 

[moose]

Just raise your reasonable estimate of the pot and don't say pot. There is nothing magical about having to bet exactly the pot.

 

[abby99]

Just raise your reasonable estimate of the pot and don't say pot. There is nothing magical about having to bet exactly the pot.

But "POT" and "REPOT" are so much more intimidating than stating an amount. Besides, it's cool. (y) :thumbsup:

 

[Nex]

Rule of thumb: "Bet pot" always means you put $420 in.

 

[abby99]

Way back when, I learned how to play PLO in the play money games on Full Tilt. I still remember the first time I bet pot after looking at the amount of the pot in the middle of the table. Imagine my shock when I saw the real size of my bet! It only takes once to learn the lesson, and I'm grateful that mine was learned with no real money at stake.

 

[chipjoker]

Are you playing in a home game or casino?

At a home game, it is nice having someone who is keeping track of the pot. At my house, the dealer tells everyone the pot size prior to the next street..

 

[Gunnar]

I was playing PLO for the first time last weekend. I found it easiest to just repot until someone was all-in when in doubt of pot size

 

[Nex]

I have a German book about standard procedures for dealers, where they made a differentation: In NL and FL games, dealer is not obliged to tell you the size of the pot, but what they do instead is they'll stack up the chips in the pot sorted by denom so you can count them yourself. For PL games dealer is supposed to tell the exact amount; after all he also has to make sure that no illegal bet is made, and for rake purposes in casinos the dealer has to keep track of how much is in the pot anyway.

 

[Kain8]

Also, as a rule of thumb, if you're first to raise preflop, the max raise you can do is 7 times the small blind.