Posted Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:07 pm GMT by xDiamond_CutteRx
This a split from our PLO study group, because the topic of open-limping versus raising came up, and I thought we should start a thread specifically addressing that topic.
So, here's the way I see it:
Characteristics of Limping
1. It keeps the pot smaller.
2. It encourages multi-way action or "limp cascades."
3. It has no fold equity.
4. It generally does not represent a super strong hand.
Characteristics of Raising
1. It makes the pot larger.
2. It discourages multi-way action and usually results in Heads-up or 3-way pots, but occasionally larger ones.
3. It has fold equity.
4. It represents more strength than limping.
What can we extrapolate from that?
For one thing, open limping when there are still a large number of players behind you might not be so bad, because you usually want to play smaller pots out of position, and bigger pots in position. For another, if you have a hand that plays well multi-way (rundowns and 3-straight with a suited Ace, for example), you do not lose much equity by limping versus raising. On the negative side, limping gives you no chance to take the blinds preflop, and may leave you out of position in a multiway pot when others limp behind. Also, it doesn't show much strength, which could be an advantage or disadvantage. It makes it difficult to take the initiative, but it may conceal a high set when you limp with a hand like AA/KK and hit--players generally will not put you on a flopped set of Kings or Aces when you either limp or just call an opening raise.
Raising, on the other hand has its advantages. It might buy you position, it lets you control the pot size and make it larger or smaller in position, and it gives you both fold equity and post-flop initiative. What are the downsides to raising? If someone calls behind you in position, it can be tough to play post flop if you miss. Furthermore, in more aggressive games, there is always the risk of getting 3-bet. This scenario isn't as scary in PLO as it is in Hold'em, since usually there is still a lot of play post flop, and preflop hands run relatively close in value.
In my own opinion, I think there is nothing wrong with open-limping from EP if you do not want to play a big pot right away, or don't mind multiway action. Playing a lot in 6-max games, I find myself open-limping from the first two positions with a lot of hands I choose to play. However, when folded to me in the CO or button, I tend to raise any hand I want to play. It never hurts to take the blinds, and it lets me play bigger pots when I have position.
There is a ton more to say, but I want to let others comment before we get in too deep.
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