Explanation of Limit
Both cash poker games and tournaments primarily utilize three distinct betting structures .
No Limit – In this format, players have the freedom to wager any sum they desire at any time during the hand, even if this exceeds the total value of the pot. There are no restrictions on the number of bets or raises made during a betting round.
Pot Limit – Here, players can place bets up to the current size of the pot, but cannot exceed it. Similar to no limit games, there are no limits on the total number of bets and raises allowed during a round.
Fixed limit – This structure restricts players to betting in predetermined amounts, either classified as small or large, depending on the current betting round. There are specific rules on the maximum number of raises allowed on each round, which typically allows for one bet followed by three raises.
Stud is a classic example of a poker game that predominantly employs a fixed limit betting structure. Unlike games like Hold'em and Omaha, which have largely moved to include Pot Limit or No Limit structures, variations of stud played with those structures are quite rare.
For example, you might say in a conversation: Which limit cash games are you currently participating in?
Incorporating Limit into Your Poker Strategy
Adopting a sound strategy for fixed limit games is quite different from strategies used in pot limit and no limit formats. Because the betting amounts are consistent regardless of the pot size, it may not always be wise to fold in large pots, particularly since the odds can often make calling a better option.
Folding generally occurs in situations where the pot is small or when there's little chance of winning at showdown.
As the size of the pot increases, our tendency to bluff should decrease. In fixed limit games, when we use smaller bet sizes in larger pots, theoretical analysis suggests that the frequency of bluffs should be minimized.
However, it's important to note that bluffing still holds significance in fixed limit games, particularly when the pot is modest and our bets represent a larger proportion of the pot.
See Also