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 The Different Betting Structures of Poker
There are three different bet structures in poker. They are Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit. We will explain the
differences of each type of betting. Understanding the differences between Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit poker
is a crucial step in transitioning from beginning to advanced player.
Limit Poker
Limit Poker is the best game for those new to poker. It has an easy to understand betting structure and does not
require a huge bankroll. It is easy to find Low Limit games with a $3-$6 structure or less. In Limit Poker, the
first two betting rounds are for a set amount, while the last two rounds are for a higher fixed limit - usually
twice the lower limit.
In the $3-$6 structure mentioned above, the first two rounds of betting are conducted with a $3 limit for both
bets and raises. The last two rounds are bet at the higher $6 limit for both bets and raises. The blinds for
limit games are usually set at a full small bet ($3 in our example) for the big blind and one half of a full
bet for the small blind ($1 in our example due to rounding down for odd amounts).
Each round of betting at either the highest or lowest limit consists of one initial bet an up to three raises.
If a betting round is raised three times, it is said to be "capped." In our $3-$6 structured limit example the
most that could be bet in each of the first two rounds is $12, while the maximum in each of the two higher
limit rounds is $24.
Pot Limit Poker
In Pot Limit games, the betting structure is similar to that of Limit Poker, but only for the first bet. Any
raise in a Pot Limit game must be for at least double the previous bet, but no larger than the total money in
the pot at any given time.
For example, if you are playing a $3-$6 Pot Limit game, the first bet in the initial betting round can be only
$3. A raise must be for at least double the previous bet - in this case $3 - and cannot exceed the pot, thus,
the maximum raise is still $3, for a total bet of $6.
If there were more money in the pot - say $100 - and the bet before you was $10 then the minimum raise would be
$10 (for a total of $20) and the maximum would be $100.
It is easy to see how Pot Limit Poker favors skilled players. There is much more opportunity for large raises,
bluffs, semi-bluffs and other advanced poker maneuvers than in Limit Poker games.
Beginners should refrain from playing Pot Limit Poker until they have gained experience. An exception would be
a Pot Limit Poker tournament with a low buy-in. These types of tournaments, readily available at
online poker rooms, are an
excellent way to play a lot of poker for a relatively low price.
No Limit Poker
No Limit Poker is probably the most widely known, but least played, form of poker. No Limit Poker is featured on
almost all televised poker events such as the World Poker Tour (WPT). Most casual players, however, stick to
Limit Poker games.
Just as is the case with Limit and Pot Limit Poker, betting structures such as $3-6 only limit the initial bet.
In No Limit Poker the minimum raise is twice the amount of the previous bet. The maximum bet is...well, there is
no maximum bet. In No Limit Poker you can put all of your chips on the line at any time.
The only betting limits in No Limit Poker are that you can only bet as many chips as you have in front of you,
and your raise can not be for less than double the bet in front of you, unless of course you are going ALL IN.
The nature of No Limit games results in some wild swings. A player can go from being the chip leader in a tournament
to busting out in the course of a couple of hands.
No Limit Poker is best left to the pros or high rollers. If you do want to check out a No Limit Poker game,
online tournaments are the best way to go. You can play in small Sit and Go Tournaments or larger tournaments
for a minimal buy-in.
If you think you're ready to take the plunge and play some Limit, Pot Limit or No Limit Poker, then you may
want to check out the games offered at Paradise Poker. The popular Riptide tournament can
be played for just a $2 Buy-In. In fact, Paradise Poker offers a full range of inexpensive poker tournaments
and ring games. Signing up takes only a couple of minutes, depositing money is easy, and the poker is an
excellent diversion from the stresses of everyday life. It is sounds good, that's because it is. It's like...Paradise.
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