What is a Limp in Poker?

A limp in poker is when you just call the big blind preflop instead of raising. For example, if the blinds are 1/2 and you call the $2 big blind from the button, you are limping. The most common sentiment among experienced players is that limping is not good in most situations, and for good reason: it caps your range, gives up the initiative, and invites multiple opponents to see a flop cheaply. But there are a few spots where limping is actually the best play, especially in tournaments or against weak opponents. This page explains what limping is, why it is usually a mistake, and when you can use it profitably.

What limping is and what it is not

Limping is a passive preflop action. It is the opposite of an open-raise, which is the standard way to enter a pot when no one has raised before you. When you limp, you are not putting pressure on the blinds, and you are not defining the strength of your hand. You are simply paying the minimum to see a flop.

Limping is not the same as calling a raise. If someone raises to 5bb and you call, that is a cold call, not a limp. Limping only happens when you are the first player to enter the pot (or when everyone else has folded to you) and you just call the big blind.

Another common misconception is that limping is a way to see a cheap flop with speculative hands like small pairs or suited connectors. While that is the intention, the problem is that you rarely get a cheap flop. The big blind can raise, and players behind you can raise, forcing you to fold or call a larger bet. Even if no one raises, you will often see a multiway pot with a weak range, which is a recipe for losing money.

How to use limping (when it can be okay)

Limping is rarely the best play in a standard cash game, but there are a few situations where it can be profitable. Here are the main spots:

• In the small blind when the big blind is tight or passive: If you are in the small blind and the big blind rarely raises, you can limp with a wide range to see a flop cheaply. This is called a "limp" or "complete" and is often better than raising with weak hands that would have to fold to a re-raise.
• In tournaments with a short stack: When your stack is very short (e.g., 10 big blinds or less), limping can be a way to see a flop without risking your tournament life. However, many coaches still prefer shoving or folding, so this is a debated spot.
• When you have a monster and want to trap: Some players will limp with aces or kings to induce a raise from an aggressive opponent. This is a high-variance play and should be used sparingly, as it can backfire if everyone folds or if you get outflopped.
• In a multiway pot with a strong hand: If several players have already limped in front of you, you can over-limp with hands that play well multiway, like suited connectors or small pairs. This is called "over-limping" and can be profitable if the blinds are passive.

Table: Limping vs. raising by position

Table: Limping vs. raising by stack size

When not to use limping

Do not limp in the following situations:

• When you are first to act in early position: Limping from UTG is a classic beginner mistake. You are out of position, and your range is capped, making you easy to exploit.
• When the players behind you are aggressive: If the button or blinds are frequent raisers, limping invites them to raise and steal your dead money.
• When you have a hand that is strong enough to raise: If you would raise with a hand like AQ or 99, do not limp with it. Limping with strong hands is a trap that often fails.
• When you are in a cash game with deep stacks: In cash games, the standard is to raise or fold. Limping is almost always a leak unless you have a specific read.

The next decision after limping

If you limp and the action folds to the big blind, you will see a flop. Your next decision is on the flop, and you should be cautious because your range is weak. If you limp and a player behind you raises, you must decide whether to call, raise, or fold. This decision depends on your hand and the size of the raise. For example, if you limp with 7♠8♠ and the button raises to 5bb, you can call if the pot odds are good, but you should fold if the raise is large and you are out of position.

If you are short-stacked (e.g., 10bb) and you limp, you are often committed to calling a raise if you have a decent hand. But if you have a weak hand, you should fold to any raise. With 100bb, you have more room to maneuver, but you should still be wary of playing a big pot with a capped range.

How this seat plays the hand

Consider a typical hand: you are on the button with 9♣8♣ and everyone folds to you. You have a choice: limp or raise. If you limp, the big blind may check, and you see a flop with a hand that plays well multiway. But you have given up the initiative, and the big blind can raise you off your hand. If you raise to 3bb, you put pressure on the blinds and can win the pot preflop. The button is a position where you should almost always raise, not limp.

Now consider the small blind. You are in the small blind with 5♦5♣, and the big blind is a tight player who rarely raises. You can complete the blind by limping, which is often better than raising because you are out of position and your hand does not play well if raised. This is a spot where limping is acceptable.

A third example: you are in a tournament with 12 big blinds and you are in middle position with A♦J♠. Some players might limp to see a flop, but the better play is to shove all-in or fold. Limping with a strong hand at a short stack is a mistake because you let the blinds see a free flop and you risk getting outdrawn.

Leaks on this seat

• Limping too often from early position: This is the most common leak. You are out of position, and your range is capped, making you easy to exploit.
• Limping with hands that should be raised: If you limp with AQ or TT, you are missing value and giving opponents a cheap flop.
• Limping when the table is aggressive: If players behind you are raising frequently, your limps will get punished.
• Limping with speculative hands in a multiway pot: While it can be okay, many players over-limp with hands like 2♣3♣ that are too weak even for a cheap flop.
• Not adjusting to stack sizes: Limping with a short stack is often a mistake because you cannot see a cheap flop; you should be shoving or folding.

Frequently asked questions

Why is limping bad in poker?

Limping is bad because it caps your range, gives up the initiative, and allows opponents to see a flop cheaply. It also makes you easy to exploit because your hand is weak or passive.

When should you limp in poker?

You can limp in the small blind when the big blind is passive, in tournaments with a short stack, or when you have a monster and want to trap. But these are rare exceptions.

What is the difference between limping and calling?

Limping is calling the big blind preflop when no one has raised. Calling is responding to a raise by matching the bet. Limping is a passive open, while calling is a passive response.

Is limping ever a good strategy?

Yes, in specific situations like completing the small blind with a weak hand or trapping with aces. But it is not a standard strategy and should be used sparingly.

What is over-limping?

Over-limping is when you limp after another player has already limped. It can be profitable with speculative hands in a multiway pot, but it is still a passive play that should be used with caution.