The popular word limp in poker, according to experienced players, is a tactical decision that they believe often indicates weakness and uncertainty at the beginning of the betting. While this statement makes sense in many situations, there are certain circumstances in which a tactically sound limp can be effective.
For beginners who rely on generous online casino bonuses, it may be more beneficial to learn when to call an open-raise or isolate, as it takes time and experience, and successful players usually find profitable moments through regular training and hand analysis using specialised software.
The concept of limp in poker
A limp is essentially an entry into the bidding without raising the bet preflop. A player who has made a limp does not increase the size of the bet, but only calls the previous bet made by the big blind. If by the time the player moves, one of his opponents has already made a similar action, then we are faced with an ‘overlap’ situation. In most cases, both limp and overlap are considered by experienced bettors as tactical mistakes.
Scenario involving preflop limpers In preflop, limp is not an affordable move for the big blind, as it obliges him to start bidding with a mandatory bet. In this case, the player has only the option of checking or facing a possible raise before his move. Limp is a passive decision that does not contribute to winning the pot already preflop. For beginners, it is often recommended to exclude limp from their strategy in the first place. It is worth noting that limping can be an effective tactical technique. Professional players deliberately use it in situations where there is a high probability that one of the opponents will raise or agree to a low-cost flop.
Read also: What is a gutshot in poker and how to play it correctly.
Limping inhibitors in poker strategy
To figure out the moments when it is advisable to use limping in the poker strategy, it is first of all necessary to analyse the difficulties that arise when choosing a passive entry into the auction without raising the bet. First of all, such a move does not allow you to capture the pot preflop. If all the opponents have weak cards, they can easily fold during the raise, which ensures profit without any risk. Limping deprives the player of this favourable situation and provides opponents with almost free access to test their luck.
Another important point in favour of raising for those who use the best online casinos on a regular basis is the need to increase the pot with suited hands. If you have a stronger range of cards than your opponent, it is important to make him pay for participation in the hand. If you check and don’t hit the board, your opponent will fold. However, if the flop comes out with the appropriate pocket cards, he can get a disguisedly strong hand.
In addition, by comparing his bet with the big blind preflop, the player creates two potentially unpleasant situations:
- Many participants can enter the pot, which reduces the value of strong starting cards in a multipot. For example, an ace and a king can easily win against one opponent, but in a multipot, their chances are significantly reduced. This increases the likelihood that one of the players will catch a pair or a stronger combination.
- A participant with a diverse range may end up in the pot. If no one raises, the big blind remains in the game and is obliged to make a mandatory bet. It becomes a difficult task to predict what cards he holds. His range can contain unpredictable combinations, such as low two pair, dopers, triples, combo draws. Even on a dry board, a player can face the unexpected power of random cards and mistakenly overestimate his average hand.
Despite the above disadvantages, sometimes a passive bet without raising can be reasonable.
Strategy depending on the position
The decision to passively enter a hand can be determined by various strategic factors. These include the style of play of your opponents, the situation at the table, your reputation in the eyes of your rivals, stack size, stage of the tournament, and many others. The position at the table is especially important.
In the early position of the poker game
Limping can be justified if you have strong cards, especially if you are sure that one of your opponents will make a raise. For example, when there are several loose-aggressive opponents or a maniac at the table. A skilful move can also work against someone who usually uses this technique. Further development of the hand can follow one of two scenarios:
- The opponent raises. The task is completed. The only thing left to do is to raise in response to take the preflop pot or increase it to maximise the equity.
- No one raises. This unfortunate scenario assumes that the opponent in the big blind and possibly several other players will reach the flop. Increasing the pot becomes a task for the post-flop game. It is necessary to take into account how suitable the board is for the available pocket cards.
Limping can be used as a trap for a maniac with strong cards, such as a pair of aces, kings or queens, suited AK. In general, with such promising starting cards, it is recommended to open with a raise. Limp, on the other hand, is an exceptional option, often inappropriate even in the presence of a maniac at the table. However, vigilance will not hurt, since opponents are closely watching the actions and analysing the style of play. A limp with UTG from a player who is used to using only open-ended raises can be worrisome. Successful loose-aggressive opponents who follow an analytical approach to the game will not let deviations from the strategy out of their sight. Even strong hands will be played with caution. Thus, the tactic of limping can be ineffective against experienced regulars.
Read also: What is a Flat Call in Poker.
In the late position of the poker game
In the late stages of a poker game, there are mysterious participants whose actions from the big blind are of particular interest. When it comes to raising from the button or cutoff, they seem to unleash a real firework display, ready to challenge the re-raises and passionately defend their chips in the pot. Determining what cards they are holding and whether they are bluffing becomes a real challenge.
In the competition with limpers, this aggressor usually transforms his strategy and prefers not to raise, but simply to watch the flop, getting a kind of free pass to the next stage. Here, it becomes logical to be more cautious, introducing hands with higher potential into the game in order to get a cheap opportunity to enter a promising combination or draw. When it comes to strong starting hands, limping from late position is often an unaffordable luxury. The only exception is Spin & Go tournaments, where limping tactics are of particular importance.
Limping from the button and cutoff can be beneficial in poker, if it does not provoke an aggressive opponent to make a big raise. In case of a raise, you can easily fold your cards with minimal losses. The position creates comfortable conditions for actions after the flop – here you can be the last to act. Opponents, on the other hand, understand that they face a diverse range, which makes predicting their strong combinations more difficult.
Is it worth using limping in the small blind?
Earlier it was believed that limping in poker is an ineffective solution from any position, and therefore the tactic of limping in the small blind was practically not used. Over time, strategies have become more complex, and limping tactics for the small blind have emerged. Despite the fact that there is still a chance to win the pot before the flop, the strategy still inclines to frequent aggression.
Limping in the small blind is also known as ‘complete’, which comes from the English word ‘complete’. This is because half of the required amount has already been paid. That’s why the chances of winning the pot are much higher than when playing in early positions, especially if several limpers appear preflop.
However, chances do not always compensate for the lack of positional advantage. In addition, the complete set is vulnerable because there are no strong cards in its range. If the big blind is aware of this and knows how to use it, sometimes it is better to just fold. To participate in the bidding from the small blind, you need to have medium cards that are not too strong for a raise. These should be hands that can form combinations with a high chance of winning in multipots, even without having an advantage in position. Such starting hands include low pairs, suited connectors and aces of the same suit. Finally, we would like to remind you that if you were looking for an online casino with a minimum deposit of one hryvnia, please follow this link. Read more information about the gambling industry in our blog.
FAQ: What is a limp in poker?
What is a limp in poker?
A limp is entering the game without raising preflop, that is, simply calling the big blind. Limp is often considered a passive decision and can indicate a player's weakness.
When should you use a limp in poker?
A limp can be appropriate in cases where you want to see the flop for minimal value or when you are certain that one of your opponents will raise, allowing you to respond with a reraise.
What are the disadvantages of limping?
Limping removes the possibility of winning the pot preflop, gives opponents cheap access to the game, and reduces the value of strong starting cards in the multipot.
How does the position at the table affect the use of the limp?
Limping in early positions is rarely effective and can be used as a trap for aggressive players. In late positions, limping can be advisable, especially when there is no risk of getting a big raise from your opponent.
Should I use a limp in the small blind?
Limp in early positions is rarely effective and can be used as a trap for aggressive players. In late positions, limping can be a good idea, especially when there is no risk of getting a big raise from your opponent.
