Not only are there different types of poker – Hold’Em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and so forth – each with its own rules, there are also different betting structures that can be applied. Whilst the type of poker in play determines the rules of the game itself, the betting structure lays out the parameters for wagers and raises.
Betting structures are vital elements of the game since poker is essentially a game of betting. Betting structures serve to reduce confusion, speed up or slow down play, and increase security, among other things. They also add to the overall thrill of the game and make poker adaptable to the risk preferences and budgets of all players.
Types of Poker Betting Structures
- Fixed-Limit Betting Structures
In poker games with fixed-limit betting structures, wagers are set at a fixed amount and players have only two options – bet or don’t bet. These are sometimes referred to simply as limit betting structures
- Spread-Limit Betting Structures
Spread-limit betting structures allow players to wager an amount within a certain range or spread. Spread poker games are generally described in terms of their range, from small to big; for example, a 3-10 spread. There is usually a minimum buy-in with spread betting structures, whereas maximum buy-ins are rare.
- Pot-Limit Betting Structures
Although pot-limit betting structures can get fairly complex to work out, the gist of it is that players may wager any amount up to the size of the pot. Additionally, players may not wager less than a set minimum with pot-limit betting structures – often abbreviated as PL games.
- No-Limit Betting Structures
Finally, no-limit betting structures, as their name suggests, allow players to wager any amount they choose between a set minimum and however much money they already have on the table.
Additional Casino-Specific Limitations
In addition to these recognised betting structures, each casino has the prerogative to impose its own additional betting rules. Sometimes, these rules – such as limiting the number of raises allowed in a game – are imposed in order to improve the game play. At other times, casinos may have to impose additional rules – such as capping the total bet amount, irrespective of raises – in order to comply with the relevant local or online gambling laws, just like when you’re playing slots or indulging in some of the Crown Oaks betting available online or offline.
In any event, regardless of the betting structures in place, players unable to place the minimum wager or raise stipulated because they do not have enough chips have the option to go “all in” in table stakes games. This means players betting the remainder of their stake instead of simply folding. This allows players to keep their cards for the rest of the deal, although they are no longer eligible to win any more than the amount of their wagers.
Choosing the Best Betting Structures
Poker betting structures operate independently of which variant is in play. However, some variant-structure combinations simply work better than others.
For example, although Texas Hold-Em games generally have no-limit or fixed-limit betting structures, the reason this variant is so popular is that is works well with all betting structures. Omaha, meanwhile, is well-suited to fixed-limit as well as pot-limit betting structures whilst 7-Card Stud works best with a fixed limit. For spread-limit betting structures, Lowball is a good choice.