Playing By The Numbers

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September 15th, 2019
Back Playing By The Numbers

It doesn't matter what game you play: gamblers are ruled by the numbers.

The game can be poker, blackjack, dice, keno or the lottery. Whatever the game, numbers are king and will determine your fate.

Let's start with poker and specifically high-low poker. In Omaha High-Low as well as seven card stud high low, you are looking for low numbers --- ace, two, three, four. Sometimes for variety you add high numbers. They are more valuable if they are suited.

If your game is Texas Hold'em, you want high cards, the higher the better. There are variations, of course. Sometimes you will play ace seven suited, or low connecting cards like a nine eight of hearts. But you only play those cards to mislead your foes.

It is May 2019 and poker is an evolving game. The games that are popular this year may be out of style by 2020. Right now, for example, Big O, a game that uses five cards per player instead of four to play Omaha High-Low, is gaining in popularity. So is pot limit Omaha High-Low, a dangerous but enticing game.

There are cards you want in your starting hand and cards you should avoid. In Omaha High-Low, you probably should not play a hand without an ace. You are looking for ace, deuce, three, four, and possibly pocket aces before you call a bet.

The killer cards you don't want to see in your hand are five, six, seven, eight, nine and 10. Two of those cards should warn you to fold your hand. If you have one killer card, fold unless your other three cards are perfect (pocket aces or ace two three or ace two four).

Which of the following hands do you like? A 2 3 K, A 5 6 7, or 2 3 8 10?

If you picked anything other than A 2 3 K, shame on you! Back to the study room!

If your game is seven card stud high low, you want your first three cards to be three low cards under seven or three low cards with a pair -- say 6 2 2 or 7 3 3 or the ultimate 2 A A.

Let's say you choose to play pot limit Omaha High-Low. This is a dangerous game with big rewards for bold play. It can cost you a lot of money fast. Position is a vital key if you hope to win at this game.

If you are in late position or behind the button and find yourself with A A 2 4 or a hand close to it, it's worth a raise. A raise builds the pot and gives you positional advantage. If you miss, the other players may give you a free card and you can always check.

If you are in late position or behind the button, you can also raise with A A K K. This is an especially powerful hand if the cards are suited. Your raise places you in a controlling position that can pay off with a favorable flop.

If you have 2-3-4-5 and are in late position, you might try raising with it. While this is not the best of hands, the deck is probably rich in aces if nobody has raised when the betting gets to you and you might get the magic flop you are looking for.

Of course, the flop is the determining factor for what you do next. If it hits you, bring on the action.

When you are in position, you can decide if you want to let players in or keep them out. You can also determine if you want to build the pot with a raise.

There are other players who will try to seize control. When this happens, try to isolate them if you have a hand. You need the cards, but when you have them, don't be afraid to act. Position is what makes a game like Omaha High Low so much fun and so profitable to play.

Where you sit at an Omaha High-Low table is also important. You want to sit to the left of an aggressive player who raises a lot, and to the right of a passive player who rarely raises. Try not to let anyone at the table push you around. If they push, you push back with a raise or re-raise. That's how you get and maintain respect.

Sometimes you will run into collusion. Two players will play in concert with each other and raise and double raise the pot in order to control the table. No problem. Just wait for a premium hand. When they put in their raises, cap it and play them tough. You'll be fine. You may be amazed at how quickly you can calm them down.

Stay at the table for as long as it is profitable. If the table changes and the game becomes less pleasant, pick up your winnings and cash in. A good win deserves a break.

Remember, the real object of poker is to get the other players talking about you. When they start perceiving you as the danger, you'll know you have arrived.

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