'Limping In' - Poker

A player is said to 'limp in' when entering the pot for the minimum amount (no raise). This is done by calling the big blind or forced bet to enter the pot where no other player has raised the pot. You're on the button and last to act. The big and small blinds post and the action folds to you. You match the big blind to stay in the pot. This is known as 'limping in' to the pot.

The decision to limp will often be determined by the number of players that limp before play gets to you, the strength of your hand or the reputation of some of the players involved in the hand. The most common reason to limp is that there are a number of other players who have also limped in and the increased value this adds. The more value (money in the pot) the more speculative hands that will limp into the pot. Most players that limp know they're not starting out with the best hand. They also know they're not strong enough to raise a multi-way pot with garbage and steal the pot. Limping is the best route. When the hand hits, the potential to take down a big score is there.

Players also use the limp to trap players. For instance, a player holds A A and decides to limp into the pot in early position. He would be hoping that by limping in, a player still to act raises the pot trying to take down the pot. Often you can extract more money as limping is seen as a weak play. Note that it's also widely recognized as a trapping play.