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May 17th, 2008 |
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May 17th, 2008 |
The betting structure of a poker game regulates how the betting can be carried out. The different betting structures puts a restriction to how fast the stakes can increase in a game (or does not as in no limit). The betting structure stipulates how large bets and raises can be in relation to each other; that is the betting structure does not say anything about how many dollars a raise can be, just how large a raise can be given how many dollars the previous bet was. The level of the stakes can be decided separate from the betting structure.
For example, no limit poker can be played with $25, $100, or any other amount that is brought to the table. Likewise, fixed limit poker can be played with $0.25/$0.50 blinds and a $0.50-$1 split limit just as it can be played with $25/$50 blinds and a $50-$100 split limit. How it works is explained in the next three articles where the betting structures regularly in use on the internet is explained, those are:
There are other betting structures, such as: spread limit (common in home games) or half-pot-limit. Since most online poker rooms do not offer them though they are not brought up in this poker school.
In order to play a good poker game, it is fundamental to find a game that has a proper betting structure and a suitable buy-in. What they should be is personal. Two factors influence what the correct stakes are.
In a good poker game, you should be able to make a bet or raise that demands respect. If you are playing for matches or small change, then your opponents won't hesitate to call when you bet. After all, what can you get for 3¢ today? The bluffs won't work. Every hand will go to showdown. It is no longer poker, you might as well flip a coin or play without anything at all at stake.
On the other end of the spectrum, the stakes are too high. No one should run the risk of being ruined. One way to achieve good poker, even without money, is utilize the second argument above. If you run out of chips in a freezeout tournament, then you are not allowed to continue. While this does not necessarily have to hurt anyones finances (the tournament can be a recreational home game), it might very well hurt some ones ego enough to scare them into playing solid poker.
With a good betting structure and a suitable level of the stakes, one fundamental goal is reached. Whenever a player makes a bet or raise, the eternal question is asked: Does he or doesn't he have what he represents with that action?
Lowball and Hi-Lo Variations