What is limping in poker and why beginners should avoid it

Limping means just calling the big blind before the flop instead of raising. It’s the most common beginner habit and one of the most expensive. In most cases you should either raise or fold when you’re first to enter the pot.

Why open-limping is a mistake

You can’t win the pot before the flop, because nobody has to fold.
You let the blinds and other players in cheaply, so your good hands face more opponents.
You show weakness: aggressive players will raise you and take the pot.
You play the hand without the initiative, so c-bets are not available to you.

When limping can be OK

Over-limping behind other limpers at a passive table with small pairs or suited connectors, hoping to hit a set or a strong draw.
Completing the small blind in an unraised pot with a playable hand, because it’s cheap.
Some live low-stakes games where almost everyone limps and nobody raises.

How to play against limpers

Raise bigger: your normal raise plus 1 big blind for each limper. See bet sizing.
Raise a wider range of hands from late position: limpers usually have weak hands.
C-bet often after the flop: limpers miss most flops.
Be careful with players who limp and then re-raise (limp-raise): that usually means a very strong hand.

Simple rule

If nobody has entered the pot yet: raise or fold. Choose your hands from the starting hands guide.

See also the beginner mistakes to avoid.

FAQ

What does limp mean in poker?

To just call the big blind before the flop instead of raising.

Why is limping bad?

You can’t win the pot preflop, you let more players in cheaply and you lose the initiative.

When is limping OK?

Sometimes over-limping behind other limpers with small pairs or suited connectors, or completing the small blind cheaply.

How much should you raise over limpers?

Your normal raise plus one big blind for each limper.