Based on the betting structure, there are three most common types of poker limits: Fixed Limit (FL), Pot Limit (PL) and No Limit (NL). Let’s take a look at the betting rules for the three types.
Fixed Limit
In a Fixed Limit game there are limitations on the size of the bets. The limit is expressed in the name of the game – for example $2/$4, $10/$20, etc.
If you are playing a $2/$4 game for example, these are the minimum bets you are allowed to place:
- Pre-flop (e.g. before the first three community cards are dealt): $2
- On the flop: $2
- On the turn (the fourth community card): $4
- On the river (the fifth community card): $4
The bets you make cannot be smaller than the big blind.
The raises in a Fixed Limit game are always the size of the big blind pre-flop and on the flop, and double the big blind on the turn and the river. The maximum number of bets that can be made is four.
Let’s explain this with an example: In a $2/$4 game, the small blind is $1 and the big blind – $2. The players are allowed to make the following raises:
- Pre-flop: $2, $4, $6, $8
- On the flop: $2, $4, $6, $8
- On the turn: $4, $8, $12, $16
- On the river: $4, $8, $12, $16
No-Limit
In No Limit poker the minimum bet amount is the size of the big blind. There is no maximum bet amount so if you want, you can go “all-in” and bet all your chips.
When it comes to raises, you need to remember that the minimum raise should be at least as much as the previous bet in the same round of betting. This means that if the player before you has bet $20, your raise must be at least $20 as well. There is also no limit on the number of raises that can be made.
Pot Limit
The minimum bet in a Pot Limit poker game is the amount of the big blind. The maximum bet, however, is the pot size (the pot is the sum of money that players wager, e.g. all the money collected from bets and raises during the current round).
The minimum raise should be at least as much as the previous bet (or raise) in the same round. That is, if the player before you has $10, you need to raise by at least $10. The maximum raise is the size of the pot. Just as in No Limit poker, there is no limit on the number of raises.