Winning Strategies for Limit Holdem
A lot of players new to Limit Holdem, or making the transition from No Limit, often find the game quite difficult. But contrary to what some people believe, the betting structure does not restrict game play; different strategies just have to be used.
The first thing you must learn about Limit Holdem is that from a tactical point of view, is that the blinds should be avoided, big or small. The reason, apart from shelling out the money, is that you will always be the first to act on the flop, leaving you open to hand reading. Thus, your Limit Holdem strategy should emphasize positioning.
The best area to be in is the late position, as this will leave you room to make evaluations, both your opponents and your own.
After the flop, you can look at the cards and you will have three options: you either made a hand, missed everything, or worked yourself to a good draw. Here, the best Limit Holdem strategy would be to call, unless your hand is really weak and you have no choice but to fold. However, because the turn and river are still there, it is much better to call.
The idea here of course, is to make the calls just to keep yourself in the game, and hope for something in the turn or river. Here the advantage of having a limited betting structure can work for you; in No Limit, a weak hand at this point, coupled with a large raise, can end your hand quickly.
If you get a hand at the turn, then you can go make a raise. At this point in the game, the wagers would have doubled, This will not only increase the pot in Limit Holdem, but the other players who managed to stay in early with small bets will fold.
Your Limit Holdem strategy should be aggressive, but not loose or manic. You do not want to slow play, as that means giving up free cards, which might cost you.
The same approach is applicable for the river. If you have the nuts, then you can raise the big one, or you can opt to make a small raise and wait for your opponent with the second best hand to re-raise. This means more money in the pot.
Limit Holdem demands a totally different tact from other Poker games, and learning to utilize the proper strategies and tactics will spell the difference between the winner and loser. By taking the time to study and learn, you will come out on top.