Article updated on 5 February 2025
What does ‘limp’ mean in poker?
In the first betting round of poker Before the cards are dealt, you essentially face three options: you can either raise the stakes, limp in, or fold your hand.
- Raise : Increase the bet size.
- Limping means simply matching the big blind bet, which is the minimum required amount to stay in the hand.
- Folding indicates that you are choosing to discard your cards and will not participate in the current round.
Let’s break it down with an example:
Picture yourself at a poker table where the blinds are set at $1 for the small blind and $3 for the big blind:
- The small blind, which is $1, and the big blind, which is $3, are compulsory bets that players must make.
- The player seated in the small blind position is required to put in $1.
- The individual in the big blind position has to stake $3.
- These blind bets are placed before players even get a glimpse of their cards, hence they are termed as blind bets.
Although the blinds have to contribute financially, all other players around the table have the option to raise, limp, or fold .
Here is what a raise or fold means:
Raise :
You can opt to increase the bet beyond $3. A typical raise is often three times the original amount; thus, a standard raise here could be $9, or you might round it up to $10.
Fold :
A weak hand may not even be worth risking $3, much less $10. Players have the option to fold rather than pay this price.
So, what is a limp in poker?
In the context of poker, a limp refers specifically to matching only the big blind, the smallest bet possible.
You cannot limp in poker games This is particularly relevant if there’s been a raise before it gets to your turn!
In this scenario, opting to limp would require you to put in exactly $3. Any other amount would mean you are either raising or calling someone else's raise.
Limp Poker — The Three Types
Different situations arise involving limping based on what other players are doing at the table.
1). Open Limp:
We are the first person to limp.
2). Limp Behind/ Over Limp:
Limping behind, also referred to as 'over limping', occurs when you decide to limp after an initial player has already limped. poker lingo This approach is unique to the small blind position. Unlike players in other positions, the small blind has already committed half a big blind and thus only needs to add the remainder to call.
3). Complete:
Limping Behind / Over Limp: Typically, this is not advisable unless several players have limped ahead of you and your hand isn’t very strong. Even then, you should be cautious.
Should YOU Ever LIMP IN POKER?
Here’s some general advice:
- Open Limp:
- By limping, you are subtly indicating to your opponents that you lack confidence in your hand.
- Complete:
Why Shouldn’t You Limp in Poker?
What’s wrong with open limping?
You are signaling that your cards are only strong enough to warrant the minimum bet. poker hand This is one of the reasons why seasoned players typically avoid open limping .
Even if you possess a decent hand, like a pair of sixes, it is often wiser to exude confidence by making a raise. Present your hand as if it has the strength of a $10 bet!
This strategy not only enhances your bluffing opportunities later but also conceals the true strength of your hands. Play a pair of sixes as though it were a pair of kings.
If your strategy is to raise only when holding a very strong hand while limping with weaker hands, your strategy will quickly become transparent.
Astute players will notice your play style and readily identify your betting range.
Another consideration against open limping is its impact on your potential profits.
What Strategy Makes The Most Money?
When you choose to limp, it encourages other players to follow suit, as the cost to see the flop is minimal. This scenario is not favorable!
Even if you're holding a very strong pair, like pocket aces, you are not the most favored to win against multiple opponents. This is why raising is often considered a better approach.
The benefits of open raising include the following:
By starting with a raise, you reduce the number of competitors and are likely to face fewer opponents, improving your chances of winning based on the odds.
Narrow the field:
Additionally, raising increases the pot size naturally. Generally, raised pots are more substantial than those created by limping. This strategy positions you to win more.
Build a pot:
Placing a raise also puts you in command, as opponents will typically check to you when the flop reveals itself. This grants you further control of the hand.
Earn the betting lead:
Utilizing raises with both strong and weaker hands helps to mask the true nature of your cards, making your gameplay more challenging for others.
Balance:
Raising lends credibility to your bluffs. However, starting with an open limp makes it difficult for opponents to take your actions seriously, limiting your ability to win unless your hand is truly the best. poker combos Open limping leaves you at the whims of luck. Conversely, raising gives you the reins!
Bluffability:
Identifying When Limping is a Smart Move in Poker (And When It Isn't)
Identifying When Limping is a Smart Move in Poker (And When It Isn't)
Though limping is not usually recommended, there are two primary situations where it might make sense:
Should a number of players have already limped before your turn, it can sometimes prove beneficial to limp behind, allowing you access to a cheaper flop with speculative holdings. The common strategy for raising requires about 3x the big blind plus one big blind for each player that has limped.
1). Completing the Small Blind –
If many players have already limped, you may find yourself needing to make a hefty raise to thin out the table, which may not align with your hand or chip stack.
2). Over Limping –
That being said, limping from the small blind isn’t always a perfect choice. Poker coach John Bradley, who boasts over $1,000,000 in online tournament winnings, offers this valuable insight:
His analysis of hundreds of thousands of hands indicated that raising from the small blind against a big blind opponent resulted in a greater win rate than limping when everyone else folded.
Limping in poker is often misinterpreted. While it may seem like a low-risk method to see the flop, it actually places you at a strategic disadvantage:
It limits your control over the hand.
Limping in Poker - Conclusion
On the flip side, raising preflop effectively narrows the field of players, increases the pot size, and establishes your betting authority. All these elements contribute to higher long-term profitability.
- Open limping signals weakness.
- It invites more opponents into the pot.
- The most effective poker strategies hinge on aggression, balance, and trickery—not limping!
Amanda authored the book A Girl's Guide to Poker, aimed at making poker approachable and enjoyable for all. In 2021, she achieved the milestone of being a World Series of Poker finalist, where she and her father secured third place in the WSOP tag team competition.
Identifying When Limping is a Smart Move in Poker (And When It Isn't)
Originally published on 24 November 2018
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