If you’re new to the game of poker then you may well be wondering how the various betting structures work; for example the betting Fixed Limit Omaha will operate differently than the betting in No Limit Hold’em. In the following article we will explain the five different methods available – Fixed Limit, Pot Limit, Spread Limit, No Limit and Cap Limit.

Fixed Limit

This is the simplest structure and any bets you make will all be exactly the same until a predefined point in the game when the limit will increase (usually double). For example a game may have a £5/£10 limit which means that all bets are £5 until, say, the turn when the limit will increase to £10.

The only decision the player has is whether to bet, not how much. A fixed limit game will usually limit the number of raises per round also.

Pot Limit

Pot Limit betting offers a little more scope but places a limit on the maximum bet to whatever is currently in the pot. This can take a little but of calculation because the pot can include whatever it contains from the previous round + a previous player’s raise + your call. So if the pot contains £10 + a raise of £2 + your call of £2 the pot side is £14; betting the pot is therefore another £14 making a total of £28.

Spread Limit

Spread Limit betting  allows players a certain amount of leeway within predefined limits. For example bets may be allowed within the range of £1 – £10 for the opening rounds + £20 for last round or river.

No Limit

No Limit betting pretty much does what it says on tin; the only limit is the pile of chips you have in front of you although the establishment in which you are sitting might have rules which alter this. Raises will usually be equal or more than the previous raise.

Cap Limit

Cap Limit betting places a limit on the maximum amount a player can bet per hand; at this point all players who want to remain in the round are though of as all-in and there is no more wagering.