Betting Structures

Like any gambling game, poker is not a stranger to betting. In the game of poker, a player must be willing to risk his chips in order to accumulate more chips. The rules and limitations that apply to how betting is conducted, varies depending on the game at hand. Such regulations and guidelines are what are referred to as betting structures.

Fixed Limit Games

Predetermined raises and bets are made with fixed limit games. Small bets and big bets are set on certain rounds. A Holdem game with a fixed $5/15 limit means that for the primary two rounds, players can only have small bets which is set at $5 or can be raised only by $5. The last two betting rounds or the big bet on the other hand is fixed only at $15 for either bets or raises. As a general rule for most online poker rooms, one bet plus 3 raises is allowed per round. Fixed limit game tables are best for beginners as it limits the amount of money they can stand to loose and a limit to what they can win. Betting can be easily addictive once the chips are rolling in during a lucky hand, however even luck runs out and chips can just as much as roll away. Calculating the maximum loss per hand can be done by multiplying the big bet by 12 and you get the maximum loss or total exposure per hand. Now if you are willing to risk that hand then give the game a go. If not then find one that goes within your limits. That right there is the beauty of fixed limit games.

Be mindful of the room you are in, as most two player fixed limit games have special rules that apply. Raises may not be limited compared to bets, so opponents can out raise each other until one is out chips. Spread Limit Texas Holdem follows a different rule, in the game a limit of $5-15 would mean a bet can be opened or a bet can be raised within the range set. Raises however must fall larger than the bet at least. The rule of raises being larger than bets generally applies to all poker games. An "all in" raise can only be considered an exemption if the player is out of chips even if the raise is smaller than the last bet.

No Limit Games

As the name says, there is no limit set. A player can win as much chips or loose as many in any given time. Raises and bets can be any amount and can be done whenever a player decides to. No Limit Texas Holdem Games are popular for all the instant entertainment drama it produces; this is mainly why such tournaments are commonly televised. One minute you're winning the next you're in the gutter with your pockets turned inside out. If you want to live on the edge, a no limit poker game is for you.

Pot Limit Games

Raises must be of equal amount or higher than that of the last bet, in pot limit games, the pot amount can double due to the raise made. For example, the pot has $15, a bet is opened with another $15 which happens to be the maximum bet that player can make. You call on his bet, that call is counted into the pot as well. Which means that the total pot money is now $45, it doesn't end there however as you can now raise that bet to as much as $45 making the total worth of the pot money as $90.

Knowing your own limitations will help any player especially beginners to be able to determine the kind of game play they wish to join. What risks they are willing to take and how far they can make it into the game.

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