Stack depth is one of the most underappreciated adjustments in PLO6. The same hand that plays as a clear 3-bet pre-flop at 100 big blinds becomes a flat-call or fold at 25 big blinds. Stack depth changes the nature of every decision, from pre-flop hand selection to post-flop aggression levels.
Short Stack PLO6 (Under 40 Big Blinds)
At short stack depths, implied odds collapse. The value of speculative hands, wrap draws, suited hands, small rundowns, decreases dramatically because there aren't enough chips behind to justify the investment. Short stack PLO6 is fundamentally about playing made hands and avoiding marginal drawing situations.
- Prioritise hands with immediate high-card value: aces, kings, high pairs.
- Avoid speculative holdings that need implied odds to be profitable.
- Look for high-equity spots to get stacks in early (pre-flop or flop).
- Position matters less, commit with your best hands and fold marginal spots.
Mid-Stack PLO6 (40–100 Big Blinds)
The mid-stack range is where most live PLO6 pots are played. Here, implied odds are present but not infinite. Drawing hands have value, but you need to be selective about which draws to invest in. This is where understanding pot odds, semi-bluffing, and disciplined hand selection matter most.
My approach at 50/100: At mid-stack depths I focus heavily on position and pre-flop hand selection. With 60–80 BBs effective, getting the money in with a wrap plus flush draw vs. a set is slightly ahead, but the situation must be found, not manufactured.
Deep Stack PLO6 (100+ Big Blinds)
Deep stacks are where PLO6 becomes its most complex and most profitable form. Implied odds are enormous, flopping a wrap draw with 200 BBs behind means potential payouts that justify significant early investment. Hand selection opens up to include more speculative but connected holdings.
- Rundowns (consecutive connected cards) increase in value significantly.
- Double-suited hands become more valuable due to potential nut flush profits.
- Bluffing range widens because the threat of later streets carries more weight.
- Position becomes critically important, acting last gives you enormous leverage.
Adjusting Bet Sizing to Stack Depth
Your bet sizing should reflect stack-to-pot ratios. At deep stacks, smaller flop bets set up larger turn and river bets, you're building over three streets. At short stacks, pot-sized bets on the flop often commit so much of the effective stack that turn and river decisions become trivial. Understanding these ratios prevents you from "accidentally" committing with marginal hands.
Re-Buying and Stack Management
In cash PLO6, always top up to the maximum allowed stack when you fall below 80 BBs. Short stacks limit your ability to extract value from made hands and reduce the full game you're capable of playing. Keeping a full stack is itself a positive EV discipline.