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Best Starting Hands in PLO5

Understanding the strongest starting hand categories

In 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha, starting hand strategy differs from traditional 4-card PLO. The extra card creates more possibilities for stronger hands. Key factors include suitedness and connectedness.

1. Large Pairs with Strong Side Cards

Large pairs like Aces or Kings paired with three other high cards — particularly suited or connected ones — form excellent starting hands. The large pair provides a solid base for the hand, and the high side cards can help complete a high straight or flush.

Ace of Spades Ace of Hearts King of Diamonds Queen of Spades Jack of Hearts
AA with strong side cards — potential for straights, nut flushes, top set, and full house

2. Double-Suited Connectors

Suited connectors enable both straight and flush draws. The probability of hitting these draws increases in PLO5 thanks to the extra card providing additional combinations.

Jack of Diamonds Ten of Spades Nine of Diamonds Eight of Spades Seven of Diamonds
Double-suited connectors with multiple straight and flush draws

3. High Double-Suited Cards

Four or five high double-suited cards can generate top flushes, straights, and high pairs. An ace-high suit is preferred for nut flush potential.

Ace of Diamonds King of Clubs Queen of Diamonds Jack of Clubs Ten of Diamonds
High double-suited broadway cards — nut flush and straight potential

Remember: The best PLO5 starting hands combine multiple qualities — they are connected, suited (ideally double-suited), and contain high cards with nut potential. A hand that excels in all four pillars is far stronger than one that only has one or two.