Spread Limit

Overview

Spread Limit is a betting structure commonly found in poker cash games and tournaments, lying between Fixed Limit and No Limit. Under Spread Limit rules, the amount of each bet and raise is restricted to a predetermined range, for example $2-$10. This means that on any betting round, a player may choose any integer (or specified decimal increment) within that range for a bet or raise, but cannot go below the minimum or above the maximum.

Betting Rules

• Preflop, flop, turn, and river typically share the same betting range, though some games may set different ranges for different streets.
• A raise must be at least equal to the previous bet, and the total after the raise cannot exceed the range cap. For example, if the current bet is $5 and the range is $2-$10, the raise amount must be at least $5 (making the total $10) but cannot exceed $10.
• Unlike No Limit, the cap prevents bets from spiraling out of control, while still offering players more flexibility than Fixed Limit.

Strategic Implications

Spread Limit strategy lies between Fixed Limit and No Limit. Because the betting range is limited, players cannot apply pressure with oversized bets as in No Limit, but they can convey information by choosing different amounts within the range. For example, when the pot is large, the maximum bet (cap) is often used for value bets or semi-bluffs; when the pot is small, a small bet may serve as a probe.

Common Scenarios

Spread Limit is common in low-stakes cash games or early stages of certain tournaments, aiming to control variance and keep action predictable. For instance, some casinos offer $1-$2 or $2-$10 Spread Limit Texas Hold’em games.

Distinctions

• Compared to Fixed Limit, Spread Limit allows variable bet amounts, while Fixed Limit mandates fixed bet sizes per round.
• Compared to No Limit, Spread Limit strictly forbids bets exceeding the cap, thus limiting aggression.
• Compared to Pot Limit, Spread Limit's cap is an absolute dollar amount, not based on the pot size.