Sunday, May 10, 2020

Limits – Should you move up or down

One of the most critical aspects of poker is the knowledge of what limit to play with. When you have been playing poker for a while, it wouldn’t be difficult for you to decide when to move your limits up and when to bring them down. Knowledge of limits is a must if you’re looking to play poker the right way. When you are choosing what limit to play, there are several factors that you must consider. These include your bankroll, an assessment of your skills and general game play, and your tendency of risk-taking. For good players, evaluation of these factors comes naturally.


You can be the richest man on earth with a lot of money to burn. However, when you are playing poker for the first time, it is better to start with lower limits. Poker involves taking certain risks, but the very risks you take have to be calculated not reckless. The opponents you will be playing initially will be easy to play against. Not many poker pros play low limit games. This makes it a safe option to start with. If you think your reputation is at stake, rest assured. In online poker, people know just your screen name and nothing else. They couldn’t care less for who you are and how much you’re worth.

The most important aspect of choosing a limit is deciding whether to move it up or down. Poker experts recommend moving your limits up only when you are at ease playing a particular limit for 7 or more sessions. If you are not comfortable with a higher limit, do not go for it. Poker is a game that offers you fun and not apprehensions about losing your money. Fear has always been equated with failure and if you are afraid of playing at higher limits, continue with your original limits. Moreover, higher limits require a higher bankroll. So, you should also consider this factor before deciding to move to a higher limit. You might be able to survive a couple of sessions at the higher limit, but that does not guarantee that you would not lose money in the following sessions.

In case you have moved to a higher limit, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you have to temporarily move to a lower limit. However, do not lower the limits when you feel the game is too easy for you and is hardly exciting. In case you have moved to limits such as $25-$50 from a limit of $10-$20, it doesn’t make sense for you to move very low to $1-$2 when you find the higher limit uncomfortable. When the limits are too low, people indulge in loose play. Choose the limits that make your game exciting and entertaining.