PLO Postflop Raise/3bet Pot Size Calculation: Why the 3x Rule is Wrong?

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PLO Postflop Raise/3bet Pot Size Calculation: Why the 3x Rule is Wrong?

This article explains pot size calculation when facing a re-raise postflop in Pot-Limit Omaha PLO, using a specific example to point out that the common shortcut rule of '3x last bet + trailing bet' is wrong. The correct method is to first call then raise by the pot size, and verifies the AI's result of $540.

PLO Post-Flop Raise/3bet Pot Size Calculation: Why the 3x Rule is Wrong?

In Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), correctly calculating the pot-sized raise after a flop raise or 3bet is a fundamental skill. A recent Reddit poker community player encountered a calculation confusion:

Initial pot is $45. V1 bets pot ($45). V2 re-raises to pot ($180). V1 wants to re-raise pot again. How much should V1 bet?

Common Error: The 3x Rule

Many players use the shortcut formula "3x last bet + trail," i.e., 3 × $180 + the previous bet of $45 = $585. However, this calculation is incorrect in PLO because it ignores the change in pot size after calling.

Correct Calculation Method

According to PLO's official rule — first call, then raise by the current pot size:

  1. V1 already bet $45. Facing V2's $180 bet, V1 must first call $135 ($180 - $45). The pot becomes: initial $45 + V1's $45 + V2's $180 + V1's call of $135 = $405.
  2. Then V1 raises by a pot-sized amount, i.e., $405.
  3. Therefore, V1's total bet is: call $135 + raise $405 = $540.

This matches the answer given by AI (Claude) and is confirmed by earlier forum discussions.

General Formula

When facing a pot-sized raise, the general formula for re-raising pot is:

[Pot-sized raise] = 3 × facing bet + own previous bet in the pot? No, the correct formula is: Total bet = (current pot + 2 × own bet already in) + ? Actually, a more direct calculation is:

  • First calculate the pot after calling: pot before call + facing bet (or the difference).
  • Then raise by that pot.

To avoid confusion, it is recommended to manually calculate step by step, especially in complex multi-way pots.

Conclusion

In PLO, post-flop (or pre-flop) pot-sized raise calculations should not rely on the "3x rule" but should follow the standard "call then raise by pot" process. Mastering this principle prevents strategic errors and is crucial in high-volatility pots.

FAQ

Correct steps: first call the current bet fill the gap, then raise the size of the pot. Total bet = call amount + pot size after the call.