Pot Limit Texas Hold 'Em Strategy

While no limit Texas Hold 'Em is one of the more popular poker games, pot limit Hold 'Em has also gained a steady stream of followers over the years. In a limited pot game, bets are capped at a certain level. This not only changes the stakes of the game, but also necessitates a few alterations in playing strategy.

Draws in No Limit Poker

One aspect of Texas Hold 'Em that may require some revised strategy is the drawing hand. A drawing hand is one in which the flop completes a partial hand; for example, if you hold a 8, 9, and Jack, a 7 and a 10 on the flop would provide you with a straight draw. In no limit poker, players might bet on the drawing hand to their advantage, often as a way to increase the pot.

Draws in Limited Poker

In pot limit poker, players cannot slowly build up the pot on a drawing hand, simply because the pot is capped and cannot be inflated. It is not possible, for example, to check and raise on the drawing hand with the same frequency or sense of abandon. Calculating odds becomes much trickier.

Thus, when playing pot limit poker, you may have to rethink your drawing hand strategy. It is necessary to be even more certain that the odds are in your favor if you plan to play the draw. If this is not the case, it will be much harder to win big--or win at all--than it would be in no limit poker.