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Slow Playing in Omaha High

Omaha High is a game that is known for the sheer number of possible draws available to each player at the table. This directly relates to slow playing, as slow playing is based on the assumption that the other players cannot draw better cards than you. Many players who have switched from Texas Holdem, or are new to Omaha High in general, will get caught slow playing on bad hands. Slow playing, while simple in words, is a very dangerous and often avoided strategy, but for that reason it is also one that can pay off big time, especially in Omaha High. I wrote this article as a guide and walkthrough on the various details, points of caution, and strategies effective when slow playing in Omaha High. While this is directed towards players who are more comfortable with texas holdem, a player of any skill level would benefit from reading this.

The Differences from Texas Holdem
In Texas Holdem, players will often slow play in an attempt to win more money off their opponents. If you are dealt a powerful hand, usually the nuts, slow playing will trick other players to bet on their weaker hands and draw themselves into a trap. In Omaha, there are a few new elements added to the mix though. Draws are the main killer for people slow playing, and in Omaha other players will have huge chances to draw better hands. Because of this, you will want to only slow play on “the nuts” or a hand that's close to it. The risk of others drawing a straight of flush is higher as well, so full houses are great hands to slow play on. If you successfully slow play in Omaha though, you will be looking at better payouts when compared to Texas Holdem. Reason being is that other players will pick up so-so hands and try to semi-bluff them much more often, giving you the opportunity to call and watch the pots grow very fast.


Points of Caution
As mentioned briefly earlier, flushes, and especially straights, are dangerous hands to slow play on in Omaha. If you hold a straight, I would only recommend slow playing it on a ragged and rainbow flop. If you have the only and highest straight, you will more than likely be safe if there are no flush draws available. As for the flush, you will need to look out for full house potential. Pairs on the flop are definite warning signs, and I would not recommend slow playing a flush if you see either a three-of-a-kind or pair on the flop or turn. Even full houses can occasionally be dangerous. On multiple occasions I have witnessed a player lose with the under card trips full house, and while its still a winning hand, you may want to bet lightly instead of call while in that position.


Good Slow Play Tactics
Now that you have a firm grasp on when not to slow play and how to change your slow playing game from Texas Holdem, here are some simple strategies that will win extra money while slow playing. As always, make sure that you aren't in risk of losing to another player. You're going to want to bluff as though you are on a bad draw. In home games this is very easy as you can act it out with a nearby friend talking to them, but in general you will want to look frustrated with the flop. If people see you are trying to draw for cards they are much more likely to bet and try and push you out. Position is another point to keep note when trying to draw out your slow play for the most possible money. If you are one of the last better, you are actually in a better position than usual, as you can call bets discreetly, giving the first better incentive to start out with a raise.


As you can see, slow playing is both a dangerous and smart tactic in Omaha High. With the points of caution and tips on slow playing in Omaha, you should be able to not only spot good times to slow play, but also be able to gain the most money on that pot. Keep in mind that slow playing is not a guaranteed as well, and if you lose a pot or two trying it out you can benefit from the mistakes in the long run. To get a better feel for it, try it out in some smaller home games. You may be surprised with the good results.


Resources
Play Online Omaha Poker
PokerSyte Omaha High Low