No-limit, pot-limit and fixed-limit poker explained
The same poker game can be played with different betting structures. They decide how much you’re allowed to bet or raise. Most beginners start with no-limit Hold’em, but it helps to know all three.
The three structures
Section titled “The three structures”| Structure | How much you can bet | Common games |
|---|---|---|
| No-limit (NL) | Any amount up to your whole stack | Texas Hold’em |
| Pot-limit (PL) | Up to the size of the pot | Omaha (PLO) |
| Fixed-limit (FL) | Fixed amounts per round | Stud, draw games, mixed games |
No-limit
Section titled “No-limit”You can bet anything from the minimum to all in at any time. Big bluffs and all-ins are possible, so mistakes can cost your whole stack in one hand. See poker rules and bet sizing.
Pot-limit
Section titled “Pot-limit”The largest bet or raise is the size of the pot (for a raise: after counting your call). Stacks still go in, but over more streets. It’s the standard for Omaha. See PLO pot-limit maths.
Fixed-limit
Section titled “Fixed-limit”Bets and raises come in fixed sizes: often a “small bet” on early streets and a “big bet” (usually double) on later streets, with a cap on how many raises are allowed per round. In a $2/$4 limit game, for example, bets are $2 on the first two rounds and $4 on the last ones. Bluffing is harder because calls are cheap; value betting and hand reading matter most. See seven card stud and HORSE.
Which should beginners play?
Section titled “Which should beginners play?”- No-limit Hold’em: the most popular and easiest to find, but punishes big mistakes.
- Fixed-limit: smaller swings and slower pace — good for learning hand values.
- Pot-limit Omaha: fun and action-packed, but learn Hold’em first. See Hold’em vs Omaha.
What is the difference between no-limit and pot-limit?
Section titled “What is the difference between no-limit and pot-limit?”In no-limit you can bet your whole stack at any time; in pot-limit the maximum bet is the size of the pot.
What is fixed-limit poker?
Section titled “What is fixed-limit poker?”A structure where bets and raises come in fixed amounts, with a cap on raises per round.
Which betting structure is Omaha usually played with?
Section titled “Which betting structure is Omaha usually played with?”Pot-limit (PLO).
Which structure is best for beginners?
Section titled “Which structure is best for beginners?”No-limit Hold’em is the most common; fixed-limit has smaller swings and helps learn hand values.