Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) is one of the most exciting poker variants: big hands come more often, pots grow fast, and inexperienced players make the same mistakes repeatedly. This makes it a potentially very profitable game. Most errors happen preflop, so think of your starting hand selection as building the foundation of your house - get it wrong, and your bankroll can crumble.

Here are five common PLO mistakes to watch for:

1. Playing too many unconnected or low cards
   Not all four-card hands are created equal. Focus on hands that are connected and/or draw to the nuts. Hands that look strong in Hold’em can get you in trouble in PLO.
2. Over-valuing small pairs and low rundowns
   Sets and low straights are often dominated. Don’t overcommit with low-value holdings; they rarely win at showdown.
3. Slow-playing too frequently
   Unlike Hold’em, slow-playing in multi-way PLO pots is dangerous. Betting to protect your hand or extract value is usually the safer choice.
4. Playing out of position
   Position matters even more in PLO. Avoid limping or calling raises from early position; leverage your position to control the pot and make better decisions.
5. Playing short-stacked
   PLO grows pots fast. Short stacks limit your ability to bluff or maximize value. Stick to micro-stakes while learning the ropes if you’re new.