Probably the least popular form of poker is Pot Limit. How Pot Limit works is any player can bet any amount up to an including the amount of the pot. If a player places a bet that equals the pot, it must include the amount to call a previous bet. For example, if the pot is $10 and then a player decides to bet $5, the following player in the round has the choice to either fold, call the $5 bet or raise to $20. The $20 raise amount is determined by adding the $10 plus $5, plus $5 to call. This makes the pot-sized raise $20 in total.

Here is an example to illustrate how Pot Limit Texas Hold’em works:

Let’s assume the pot is $10 from the first round of betting. Player #1 gets to bet first and since he can only bet the maximum amount allowed (which is the amount in the pot), he bets $10. This is called “betting the pot.” The pot is now $20. Player #2 can now call the $10 as well as raise $30 because the pot is technically $30 (remember: $20 pot + Player #2’s $10 call) making his total bet $40. The pot total is now $60 ($40 + $20). Player #3 is allowed to call the $40 and raise $100 if he wants because the pot is valued at $100 ($60 pot + Player #3’s $40 call). This would make Player #3’s total bet $140, thereby increasing the pot to $200 ($60 pot + $140 bet).

When the betting gets back around to Player #1, he has the choice to either fold or call the combined raises of his $30 and Player #2’s $100, making his total bet $130 and increasing the pot to $330 ($200 pot + $130 bet). Player #2 has the choice to either fold or call Player #3’s raise of $100 to stay in the game. This action would increase the pot to $430 ($330 pot + $100 bet).

It may seem confusing at first, but diligent practice will make the betting structure easier to determine. As you can see, it doesn’t take long for the pot to expand quite drastically in a game of Pot Limit simply after a bet and two pot-sized raises.

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Players who enjoy Pot Limit Holdem may also enjoy learning the rules to Pot Limit Omaha and more traditional games like No Limit Texas Holdem. For even more rules to poker games, check out our Poker Rules section.