Q. What does fixed limit mean?

"Fixed limit" poker is a form of betting that dictates the amount that a player can bet.

In Texas Hold 'Em, there are four betting rounds. The fixed limit that defines a poker table is usually given in two numbers, such as "1-2", "2-4", or "3-6". The first of the two numbers defines the fixed amount that a player can bet or raise in the first and second betting rounds. The second of the two numbers defines the fixed amount that a player can bet or raise in the third and fourth betting rounds.

For instance, at a 1-2 Texas Hold 'Em table, you are being told that if you want to bet or raise on the first or second rounds, it has to be $1. If any player bets, it has to be $1. If another player after him raises, it has to be $1. This is the fixed amount. On the third and fourth rounds, this fixed amount doubles to $2.

This differs from 'spread limit' poker, where players are given a range such as "2-6" and they can bet any amount inside this range on any betting round. This also differs from 'no-limit' poker, which is described below.

Obviously, there are strategic considerations to remaining in the game on the third betting round. Since the fixed amount doubles, players need to be more certain of their hands as it's become more expensive to play.


Q. What does no-limit poker mean?

Much of the poker that is shown on TV is 'no-limit poker'. As opposed to the fixed limit poker described above, there is no limit on what any player can bet on any betting round, up to all of the money that he has on the table. Where some players complain that it's difficult to bluff in fixed limit poker (because you can ONLY bet the fixed amount), bluffing is much easier in no-limit poker where you are permitted to bet as much money as you have on the table.

A player that bets all of the money that he has on the table is said to be "going all-in", for obvious reasons.

On any betting round, a player can bet anywhere from the minimum bet allowed all the way to everything he has in front of him. If another player would like to call this bet but does not have enough money to cover it, he is still permitted to call. The amount of the bet that the caller is unable to call is returned to the original bettor. For instance:

Player #1: Goes all-in with $50.

Player #2: Only has $35 in front of him, but he wants to call. He decides to call, himself going all-in. His $35 is put in the pot. Player #1's bet was $50, and Player #2 was only able to call $35 of it. Therefore, $15 of Player #1's bet is returned to him from the pot. Now, each player is in for $35, and Player #1 is no longer said to be all-in, since $15 of his bet has been returned to him. Even if Player #1 loses this pot, he still has $15.

Where it becomes complicated for the beginner observer is where there are more than two players involved. If one player is all-in, but two other players are not done betting and raising with each other, then their betting goes into a 'side pot'. Since the all-in player cannot cover the bets and raises being made into the side pot, he does not qualify to win it. All three players are contending for the 'main pot', but only the other two players are contending for the side pot.

The player with the best hand at the table wins the main pot. The player with the best hand - EXCEPT for the all-in player - wins the side pot. If the all-in player has the best hand at the table, he will win the main pot while the player with the second-best hand wins the side pot.