Betting (poker)

This article describes the common terms, rules, and procedures in the game, but does not cover the strategic impact of betting.

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The game of poker as played today requires that players agree before play on allowable amounts for betting (called limits), and the use and amount of forced bets. These are collectively called the betting structure of the game.

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The betting structure of a poker game is a more significant factor in its balance of luck and skill than the game variant being played. Higher forced bets and smaller limits increase the influence of chance. Smaller forced bets and larger limits increase the element of skill. Good games are carefully balanced so that skillful players will win in the long run while recreational players can win often enough for the game to be exciting to them.

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The reason that higher forced bets with smaller limits increases the luck factor is simple enough. With a lot of money in the pot due to the antes, the small forced bet is getting high odds - it is, therefore, worthwhile calling with any hand.

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For example, in Texas Hold 'em, suppose the antes are $10 per player, and the blinds are at $5 and $10. With nine players the pot is $105 before the first player to act has to decide whether or not to call the $10 big blind. That first player is getting odds of 10.5 to 1 on a call - this makes any hand worth playing.

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Consequently, various skills such as hand selection and reading player's hands are reduced in value and the game becomes a dice-shoot.

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