There are three common limit systems in use in poker: Fixed Limit, Pot Limit, and No Limit. Pot Limit and No Limit are quite similar and thus tend to be played in a similar fashion, whereas Fixed Limit tends to require a somewhat modified strategy to play.

Fixed Limit

In a fixed limit game the players have no choice about the amount they wish to bet, or raise. These amounts are set for the table prior to the start of the game.

Typically the first few betting rounds are subject to one bet amount, and the final rounds get a higher amount. This is what is being referred to when a game is said to be $5/$10. The first couple of betting rounds have a fixed amount of $5, and the last couple of rounds have a $10 amount.

A betting round has a limited number of allowed bets/raises. Usually four is the limit, though sometimes five. In heads-up play the limit is normally lifted since either player can end the betting at any time with a call.

No Limit

In a no limit game the players can bet as much as they'd wish, provided they meet at least a minimum level. They may be anywhere between this minimum and their entire stack (the amount of money they have on the table).

The games are marked similar to fixed limit, such as $5/$10. In this case however this specifies the small blind and big blind amounts. There is no doubling of the minimum bet in later rounds. Raises need to be at least the size of the previous bet or raise.

Note that you may bet up to your entire stack. You may not put additional money on the table at this stage. Refer to table stakes. Otherwise there is no limit to the number of raises which can occur in a betting round.

Pot Limit

Pot limit is a variant of no limit which puts a maximum amount on the bet. This maximum is taken from the size of the pot at the time a player acts. The minimum still also applies.

The maximum amount isn't just the pot size itself, it is that amount plus however much it would take for the current player to call the bet. For example, if the pot is currently $100, and you would need to bet $25 to call, then after your call the pot would be $125. Thus you may raise from $25 to $150.

Practice

Our strategy games offer each of these limits modes. Fixed limit and no limit require very different strategies to win. Pot limit can generally be played with a slightly modified no limit strategy.