Texas Hold’em games fall into one of three categories based on the betting limitations:
No-limit
A no-limit game is exactly that! There is no limit to the amount that you are allowed to bet at any given time. However, you are still only allowed to bet with chips that you brought to the table (i.e. don’t try throwing in your car keys).
Pot-limit
A player is only allowed to bet an amount that is equal to (or less than) the amount currently in the pot.
Limit
The betting amounts are fixed and you can only raise (or be raised) by a predefined amount.
Other limitations can sometimes apply also. For example, most casinos only allow one bet and three or four raises per betting round, with one exception: when only two players are left fighting over the pot this restriction is lifted!
Tournament versus cash games
In addition to cash games (where you are betting with real money) it is also possible to play in tournaments where every player starts with the same number of chips. In tournament games the entrance money (or “buy-in”) is collected from each player and distributed amongst the winners.
Some tournaments are structured so that once you have lost all your chips you are out of the tournament. Other tournaments, known as “rebuy tournaments”, allow you to buy more chips during a designated period of time e.g. during the first hour or two of play.
Another key difference between tournament poker and cash games is the escalating blind. After a certain number of hands (or a certain number of minutes) in tournament poker the blinds will increase. This ensures that the game does not continue indefinitely. As the blinds increase, the players with fewer chips will be forced to take drastic action.
There are essentially two types of tournament: single-table and multi-table. At a single-table tournament there is no progression. If you win a single-table tournament you are given your share of the winnings immediately and the tournament is over.
Multi-table tournaments are larger and involve an element of progression. If you win your first game you do not actually win anything immediately. Instead you progress to the next stage to compete against other winners. Obviously, the winnings are larger for multi-table tournaments.
Suitable Hold’em games for beginners
If you have never played before and are wondering where to start, consider these options (they are listed in order of safety):
Pretend money games
Most poker websites allow you to practice your game using “play” or “pretend” money. This offers a good opportunity to acquaint yourself with the rules. However, because real money isn’t involved, don’t expect to develop your poker strategy too much at these tables.
Single-table tournament games
Single-table tournament games offer action, competition and safety. Because there is a “buy-in”, you already know the maximum that you could lose before the game has even begun!
Limit games
If you’re ready to play in a cash game you might want to start at a limit table first. At a later stage you might wish to progress to pot-limit and no-limit games.