Fixed Limit
Fixed limit games have structured betting limits for each round with a minimum and maximum bet. You cannot vary your bet from the amount of the structure and you must bet in multiples of the amount for the limit you are playing. The limits vary with the round of play. The amount of the blinds is based on the limit of the game. Let’s look a typical $4/8 fixed limit game.
The $4 denotes the betting limits for the first two betting rounds. The big blind would be $4 and the small blind which is half of the big blind would be $2. During the betting for the pre-flop and flop betting rounds the players must bet and raise in multiples of four dollars. After the flop the betting limits are increased to $8 and all bets and raise must be in multiples of $8. In most casinos the lowest limit game you can find will be $2/4 but the limits can go up to any amount.
When the betting structure of a limit game is listed on the board at the casino the two numbers represent the amount of the big blind and the amount of the bet after the Turn. $4/8, $5/10, $10/20, etc. You will find that the majority of the cash games in the casino will be limit games.
Spread Limit
Spread limit games are similar to fixed limit games except that the players are allowed to bet within a range. You may see a game listed as $2-$10 which means that players can bet any amount within the range at any time. The lwest number is the amount of the big blind. Spread limit Texas Hold’em games are not very common these days.
No Limit
In no limit games you can bet any amount at any time. This format is the most popular for tournaments however the demand for no limit cash games, many casinos are offering more o these games. When the betting structure of no limit games are listed the figure represents the amount of the small blind and the amount of the big blind. For example a $5/10 no limit game means the small blind is $5 and the big blind is $10. You can bet any amount as long as it is equal to or greater than the big blind which in this example is $10.
Pot Limit
Pot limit games are similar to no limit games in that there is not fixed betting amount. However the size of your bet can not exceed the size of the pot. For example, if there is $300 in the pot your bet can not exceed $300 but you can bet any amount up to that as long as your minimum bet is equal to the amount of the big blind. The betting structure of pot limit games are listed the same way as no limit games with the denomination being the amount of the small and big blinds.
Although these are all Texas Holdem games, each one will have a slightly different strategy. You will not be successful if you try a No limit strategy in a Low limit game. Make sure you pick a game that is right for you. Most players feel more comfortable starting with limit games.