Poker Betting Rules

Learning how to bet in a poker game is essential before you can even start playing. If you don't know how to bet nobody is going to want to play with you, as the game simply wouldn't work. Thankfully the betting rules in poker are very simple and we're going to take a look at them all right now. The betting rules differ based on the limits you're playing, but we've explained them below briefly before taking a look at the actual betting rules you need to follow during a hand of poker.

Fixed Limit Poker

Although fixed limit poker isn't that popular nowadays with all the younger players wanting to play for bigger stakes, but it's still nice to know the betting rules. In a fixed limit game your limited in how much you can bet. During the preflop and post flop betting rounds you can only bet the size of the small blind. During the last two betting rounds players can bet the size of the big blind.

Pot Limit

In a pot limit game of poker the betting rules are the same as above except for one simple rule. Instead of only being able to raise the pot by double the previous bet, you're allowed to raise by however many chips are already in the pot.

No Limit

No limit is without question the popular limit in poker and played by the vast majority of poker players. In a no limit game you can bet however much you want at anytime, which is where the term all-in comes from.

Before the flop the betting rules are pretty simple, but a bit different then post flop betting. Once the cards are dealt out the player to the left of the big blind starts the action. Players can either call the big blind to stay in the hand, raise the big blind or fold their hand. If someone raises the pot and you already called before you'll have the chance to call the raise or re-raise.

After the flop the betting rules change slightly. The action starts with the player to the left of the dealer button and players have the choice between checking or betting initially. If everyone checks the next card can be flipped over. If a player bets everyone will have the option to call the bet, raise the bet or fold to the bet. Once the betting is over the next card is flipped over. The betting rules are the same throughout the entire hand. You just need to make sure you follow the betting rules outlined above based on the limits you're playing.