bomb variant
Is anyone familiar with bomb PLO variant where all the players put a mandatory 5BB PF with no more betting PF? (For a full table of 9 all the players see the flop with 45 BB in the middle).
In our game we deal a bomb hand only when all the players agree. Otherwise, the hand is dealt normally with SB, BB, bets PF, etc.
I personally don’t like this variant and often refuse it, considering it deviates too much from real poker: there is no hand selection PF and only 3 rounds of betting. It also increases dramatically the variance. But to keep a good atmosphere at the table I agree sometimes.
Therefore, I am trying to figure out which position is favored, and which isn’t. Obviously, it depends also on the stacks (a small stack will probably go all in whenever he connects with the flop).
Is the button favored because the final pot will be bigger than in a normal hand, even if there are only 3 rounds of betting instead of 4?
Are EP or MP favored since they will automatically see the flop? Are small stacks favored?
TY for Your thoughts?
8 Replies
It seems to me that it is like a different game and it needs a completely different approach?
It seems to me that it is like a different game and it needs a completely different approach?
it is indeed very different, and i think most are familiar with it - there were several posts in the past month on this as well.
There is also the variation double board bomb pot, so there you have a different game once again. I think PLO mastermind have introduced a course on it.
Regarding your questions, although it is probably somewhat less complex than normal PLO, you will not be able to synthetise 3 key strategies that you just follow and then game solved.
If you have a specific question, maybe regarding a hand or a general principle, you can ask more concretely.
Late positions are always favored as a rule, though short-stackers benefit from bomb-pot format because they can realize more of their equity.
Late positions are always favored as a rule, though short-stackers benefit from bomb-pot format because they can realize more of their equity.
W
I agree. what about the BB who will see the flop by posting additional 4BB for a pot of 45BB, is it EV positive for him? In our game we play the bomb variant for one hand when a player (who usually want to gamble) proposes it and all others agree which happens around 5% of the hands , other hands are played normally.
Rake is a major issue with this.
You should generally avoid this type of games because of it. If it necessary to keep the mood, sure do it sometimes.
In my game, we have it when dealers change, which is kind of once every hour.
Anyone can opt out though, and usually 1-2 ppl do sit out, but it is 9 handed so enough in every such bomb pot.
Some people make huge mistakes, i think they might figure out what they're doing is bad if we would play 100 bomb pots consecutively.
So I think these are quite profitable spots, you just need to be careful. Bluffing won't help, so forget that tool. Just have a very strong equity hand that is also nutted and with improvement potential, or at least with small chance the nuts change.
W
I agree. what about the BB who will see the flop by posting additional 4BB for a pot of 45BB, is it EV positive for him? In our game we play the bomb variant for one hand when a player (who usually want to gamble) proposes it and all others agree which happens around 5% of the hands , other hands are played normally.
In this format there should not be any blinds, only antes. And there should be a designated bomb button to prevent players from angling and only playing hands in favorable position.
ACR has lots of bomb pot tables.
In the micros, everyone suddenly goes crazy and fight to the death for it like it's some sort of $100,000 PKO bounty on the line.
Checking the nuts usually goes pretty well because I am guaranteed to have 1 or 2 people bet pot and I can re raise all in (usually only do this with flushes, top sets or top 2 + flush draw....with top 2, its more player dependent)
