Omaha High/Low:

MAIL CALL

BY: Russ Fox

"If there are no stupid questions, what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?" – Scott Adams

There's one time of year I don't have to look at a calendar to know what I'm going to be doing. As an Enrolled Agent, it's the season for my clients to ask me all sorts of wonderful questions about income, deductions, etc. Only two months until April 16th, thankfully. In that spirit, here are some email questions that I've received (along with my answers).

Question, from Marc (city withheld). "I was holding 5678 single suited, and got a great flop for my raise: 569 rainbow. The turn completed the rainbow, and gave someone the low (2). When the board paired (5) I knew I was getting half the pot�I couldn't believe it when the idiot next to me turned over KK99 and got the high. What should I have done differently?"

Answer. Marc, if you are going to play 5678 (and raise with it), you are going to suffer the consequences. People who live in glass houses� .

Question, from (withheld). "I was at a table with you recently�at least I think it was you (it looked like your picture). In the two hours I was there you only played two hands past the flop!"

Answer. I must have had good cards that day.

Question, from Robert, Chicago, IL. "I held 8899 double suited, and decided to play my hand because the jackpot was up to $85,000 (four eights or better beaten). I flopped top set (258, two clubs - I didn't have any). The turn was an offsuit King, but the river was the Q. I folded (the flush was out against me), but I think I should have done some things differently."

Answer. Yes, I'd agree that you should do something differently. First, don't play a hand just for the jackpot. They happen so rarely that it's almost pointless to do so. Once you play the hand you're just sort of stuck there until the flush comes. That's the danger of a one-way hand: 8899 has a very low scoop potential.

Question, from Arnold (city withheld): "I lost a $500 pot when my opponent got his one-outer on the river! I held KKQJ, my opponent held TT23, and the board was QQK/T/T. I was so mad! What could I have done differently?"

Answer. Nothing. If your opponent wants to stay for runner-runner quads, you need to respond (at the end of the hand), nice catch without any anger! Trust me, he'll be a contributor to your wallet for a long, long time.

Question, from Adam (city withheld): "I was playing in a game with a maniac. He raised with every hand he held, highlighted by his raise with 7772 (it was suited!). I lost a lot of money in that session when none of my draws came home. What could I do differently?"

Answer. When you're playing against a maniac, you must play quite tight, and be willing to fold many of your draws. You will also have a much higher variance than normal. So there may have been done nothing to do about your results.

Question, from Brett (city withheld): "I bought a new property for $2 Million in a �1031 exchange�."

Answer. Sorry, tax help is by appointment only.

As a final thought, remember that discouraging bad play decreases your income. Be happy when your opponents make their one-outer draws (and the like). Over time, they will contribute to your winnings.

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