Bankroll Builders Vol. 8: Rush Poker PLO, Part 1
Short-handed pot-limit Omaha Rush Poker. On first glance, it sounds like something that should be the subject of a column called "bankroll destroyers" rather than bankroll builders, right? After all, we're talking about the most volatile form of online poker played at up to four times the speed of a regular table. For a rank beginner, Rush Poker PLO probably isn't the most optimal way to run up an online balance, but for players recovering from a downswing or who have some experience at Omaha, it’s an excellent way to not only speed up the cash game grind and relieve some of the boredom but also to inject a little fun into the process at the same time. Call it “bankroll-building for advanced players.”
Where can I play?
Rush Poker PLO is offered exclusively at Full Tilt Poker. Presently, six-handed pot-limit Omaha Rush tables are available at the $0.05/$0.10 ($10 max), $0.10/$0.25 ($25 max), and $0.25/$0.50 ($50 max) tables.
What’s the difference between a Rush table and a regular table?
At a Rush Poker table, you are playing against a large group of players pooled together at a single limit. As soon as you are dealt a hand, you have the option to either play it or hit the “quick fold” button and immediately move on to a new hand at a different table. Essentially, all "downtime" between hands is eliminated, keeping you constantly in action. Additionally, your lineup of opponents is constantly changing, making it much more challenging to spot player tendencies and take notes. An average-speed player at a Rush PLO table can expect to play anywhere between 150 and 200 hands per hour. You can play up to four “entries” per player pool.
How much do I need?
While a bankroll of 20 to 25 buy-ins is usually sufficient in a regular no-limit or pot-limit game, err on the side of caution with Rush Poker PLO and give yourself 30 to 35 buy-ins. With $500 or less in your account, start with the $10 buy-in games. With $750 to $1,000 consider the $25 buy-in games.
Should I multitable?
Do it if you dare, just be careful. The pace of play is already turbo-charged, so playing two tables of Rush Poker is going to feel like playing four or more regular tables in terms of how quickly you will be faced with decisions. If you have 40-50 buy-ins for the level you’re playing, try out two tables and see how it goes. If you find it overwhelming or are slapped in the face with a downswing, go ahead and scale back to one table.
How much can I earn?
In terms of big blinds earned per 100 hands, your Rush Poker PLO win rate should be close to your regular cash-game win rate. The big advantage with Rush Poker is what it can do for your hourly rate. By getting in more hands per hour and perhaps even playing more hands overall, you’ll be able to grind out more money in far less time. And if you have rake back? That check will be a lot fatter at the end of the month.
When should I move up?
Don’t think about moving up until you are sustaining a consistent win rate at your present limit and have at least 30 buy-ins for the next-highest limit. If you started with $300 playing $10 buy-in PLO and have built that up to $750, it’s fine to play a few sessions of $25 buy-in PLO and see how you feel. Just be aware — there are significant differences in skill level as you move up. At $10 PLO there are more than enough fish in any given player pool to make it a profitable game for a solid player. While there are still plenty of bad players to be found in the $25 and $50 games, there are, however, far more players in those pools who are reading strategy threads on Two Plus Two and watching CardRunners videos.
In Part 2, we’ll tackle starting hands, basic strategy, tilt control and more Stay tuned!
Ready to start building your own bankroll? Open an account at one of our online poker rooms today and get on the grind.
