Tournament PLO vs Cash Game PLO
In tournaments, your chips have non-linear value due to ICM (Independent Chip Model). Doubling your chip stack does NOT double your equity in the prize pool. This means you must sometimes fold +cEV hands when the risk outweighs the ICM reward.
ICM Pressure
ICM pressure increases near pay jumps, on the bubble, and at final tables. Big stacks can apply pressure on medium stacks who cannot afford to bust. Short stacks have less to lose and can shove wider.
Key Concept: In PLO tournaments, the 4-card structure means equities run closer than Hold'em. This makes all-in confrontations riskier from an ICM standpoint because you are rarely a huge favorite.
Stack Depth Matters
Deep stacks (40+ BB): Play closer to cash game strategy. Speculative hands gain value.
Medium stacks (20-40 BB): Tighten up. Focus on nut hands and strong pairs.
Short stacks (<20 BB): Push/fold becomes important. AAxx is always a shove. Connected double-suited hands gain value.
Bubble Strategy
Big stack: Apply maximum pressure. Open wide, 3-bet light, put medium stacks to the test.
Medium stack: Survive. Only play premium hands. Avoid marginal spots.
Short stack: Find a spot to shove. You have the least to lose from ICM.
Keyboard Shortcuts
1 = First option 2 = Second option 3 = Third option 4 = Fourth option
Space / Enter = Next scenario