Jul 19 2008
How To Choose Between Limit And No-Limit Poker
Limit poker mentally challenges you. How much you can raise or bet is dependent on a fixed limit. For each of the betting rounds, where there usually is a minimum and maximum for the different rounds of bets, the bets are either fixed-sized or there is a spread limit.
Limit or structured poker contrary to popular belief contains little bluffing. Most of the hands are played straightforward. Limit poker is about making a lot of correct decisions over time, whereas no-limit poker is more about manipulating pressure at the opportune times to win the big pots.
Playing limit poker with small blinds relative to the stack sizes for some period of time will accomplish very little except to ensure that nobody can go broke for a few hours. It will do nothing to increase the skill factor. Playing limit poker, especially low limit poker, is pretty much ABC poker with a touch of selective aggression for short handed play.
In limit poker you are shooting at a target. It is a dysfunctional marriage of a game theorist and a math expert. They live in a home that looks like any other home in the poker neighborhood and, on the outside, they seem like a happy couple. It is more of a science, but no-limit is an 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 differences between no-limit and limit poker can be substantial, but the best players in both share distinct attributes. Waiting for the right moment and knowing when to be aggressive are still key.