Middle/Bottom Set in Omaha

In my last post I mentioned how good I've been getting my money in with top set as quite regularly I've been getting action from people who have also hit a set on the flop and therefore often have only 1 out.

Now a set is always a good hand to have hit on the flop but if it is not the top set it does need to be played with some caution especially in the face of excessive action on a non-drawing board. For example let's say it's a 5 way pot where you hold TT98 and the flop comes KT3 rainbow. All players are deep stacked and you decide to go for the check raise option from early position. Someone kindy raises and you repop for the full amount of the pot. Nothing wrong with this play at all although you have given the strength of your hand away very early with this reraise. Now imagine that the original better reraises you again, what can he realistically have asssuming he's not hyper aggressive. You have indicated that you have probably got a set (although a wrap is a possibility) and shown extreme strength, he is a solid player and has re-potted - most players seem to see this as a easy call or reraise all in. In my view this is a flawed play as it is entirely possible, even probable given the action on the flop that he has KKxx and if so you probably have 1 out.

This is an awful situation to get 150+ BB in but so many players seem to do this, it is a major source of my success and long may it continue.

I am not saying not to play any set other than top as I make a lot from middle and even bottom set but they are hands which you need to play cautiously and be aware that someone might well have limped K's or even A's and actuallly take the time to think through before comitting your money when you may be practically drawing dead.

It is crucial in pot limit omaha to always consider your opponents likely holdings as this should affect your play in deciding to call raise or fold as although your hand may look good it could be counterfeitted by your opponent. Failing to do this is likely to make you a losing player as you'll over commit on marginal holdings.

Right that's my morning musing over so I'm going to head back to the tables

Steve