Playing Limit Texas Hold'em is quite a bit different than the No Limit games you see on TV and requires a much different strategy in order to be successful.

The first thing you need to learn to accept, especially in low-limit games, is to leave your bag of poker "tricks" off the table. Bluffs are nearly useless in Limit Hold'Em. The reason being that a player will almost always have the required "pot odds" to call with even mediocre holdings.

Remember, in Limit Hold'Em you are only allowed to bet predetermined amounts based on the current blinds. Given that restriction, your opponents will often have odds of 6:1 or higher to call down to the river. If they have hit the board remotely well, they'll call, figuring they're getting the right price to take the chance. This is especially true of low-limit ring/cash games and low buy-in Limit Tournaments.

That being said, Limit poker is probably the best for a new, or novice, player to start. There are advantages; More play for your poker dollar. Limit Hold'em gives the beginning player a little protection from the consequences of making a wrong play. Making a decision doesn't have to cost you your entire stack if you're wrong. If you get involved in a pot you really shouldn't have, you aren't very likely to be pot-committed. You have the chance to realize your mistake and get away from a bad hand. The main drawback to No Limit Hold'em is the same thing that gives it it's massive appeal. The dramatic swings of fortune make for a great deal of excitement. Unfortunately for the novice, this means that they could make just one mistake and be "excited" right to the rail. Playing within your comfort zone is also much easier in Limit. If you know how much you are willing to risk, it's easy to find a Limit game that will give you plenty of time to play, and a chance to score a decent win, without being overwhelmed by the action.

OK. You've decided on a comfortable limit, built up your bankroll, and you're ready to get started. What's the best way to approach a Limit game or Tournament?

Firstly, Tight is Right. This applies even more to Limit games than No Limit. You should only come into a pot with premium hands. Playing "cute" hands like 67suited are more likely to get you into trouble than they are to pay off big. The only exception is when you are in late position and there are several players already in the pot.

Second, position, position, position. Pay attention to your spot in the rotation of table action as well as that of your opponents. Hands that are playable in late position, or on the button, may very well be mandatory folds early.

Third, limps are for wimps. NEVER open a pot for a call. Always raise. If you take the advice of only playing premium starting hands in Limit, you will understand the need to show strength to limit the number of players in the hand to lessen the chances of getting out-drawn. It's ok to call from late position (occasionally) when there are others already in the pot in order to camouflage the strength of your hand.

Fourth, when you hit, push the action. If you do hit the flop well and make your hand, BET IT. As well as building the pot, you want to make it as expensive as you can for your opponents to draw at you.

Fifth, know how to read. This goes along with number 4 above. It is essential that you know how to "read" the board. Reading the board will tell you whether you have the nuts, or near-nuts, as well as give you valuable clues as to what your opponents may be holding. When you're not in a hand, practice looking at the board. Take note of the cards that come up and try to figure what the best possible hand would be at each street. Once you know that, it's a simple matter to see where your hand stands and whether it's worth a bet, or a check/fold.

Take these tips with you on your next casino trip or to your next online session. Practice these strategies and you will improve your percentages of finishing in the money. As a special bonus, the patience and discipline you develop playing these Limit Hold'Em strategies will pay off big when you start playing the larger, No Limit games and tournaments.