Texas Holdem – Is Limping OK?
When a player is first to enter the pot and simply limps they are making a call of the big
blind. This is generally considered to be a weak-passive play typified by beginning
poker players.
Almost every professional recommends against limping.
At the 1/2 limit, and most lower limit games, most of your opponent's mistakes come
from pre-flop hand selection. When you raise, you announce to other players that you
have a strong hand and then can play this hand post flop profitably. Also, by raising, you
will may fold out the hands that may have you dominated.
If your opponent raises, and you end up throwing the hand away, then you've just put
money into the pot for nothing. If you call, then you are going in with a hand that you
thought was too weak to bet.
One of the main reasons that open limping doesn't work so well is that players often use it as a means to see a flop cheaply, with a hand that perhaps does not merit a raise.
It's the inexperienced player that limps most often.
Many opponents will target limpers. Sometimes on the flop. You don't want to be a
target.
The “Table Image” of limpers is poor. Your opponents tend to assume that you are a
weak player and will ignore your bluffs.
If you don't fold on the flop, you have started with a range disadvantage. Sometimes
you will hit the flop. Most often you don't, and will end up folding or loose at showdown.
There are times that limping is good, but that generally is only in the blinds.
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