Wednesday, July 30, 2008

How To Choose Between Limit And No-Limit Poker

By Sam Whittaker

Limit poker is a battle of the mind. It is any game in which there is a fixed limit on how much you can bet or raise in any round. Limit games usually offer either fixed-sized bets for different betting rounds or spread limits, in which there is a minimum and maximum bet for each round.

Bluffing is seldom used in limit poker. The majority of hands are played directly. Making the right decisions consistently over a period of time is imperative, while no-limit relies on applying pressure at the correct time to take the large pots.

When limit poker is being played and the small blinds are in relation to the size of the stacks, not a lot will be achieved apart from ensuring no players can go broke for a while. This will prohibit the level of skill in the game. This type of low limit poker is one of the simplest you can play and only requires a small amount of selective aggression.

While playing limit poker you know what you have to achieve. The best results are attained by the use of maths and game formula. Limit poker uses a more scientific application, no-limit can be described more like art.

No-limit is a different game entirely and you will have to have a good grasp on the game before you start to study and play it. Limit is in no way a "less advanced" game however, it just doesn't involve some of the same strategies. No-limit poker is ideal for poker pros who want to win big pots by betting all-in, even if their hands are not the best. Limit poker is more recommended for poker beginners because the possible losses are smaller compared to those in no-limit poker.

The finest poker players in both game types share common strengths. In both limit and no-limit poker assertiveness and patience are fundamental. Timing when to attack is required to triumph.

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