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So when should you limp in when playing No-Limit Hold'em?

To clarify the phrase limping is when you bet the absolute minimum needed to stay in a hand. Often used when the small blind simply calls the big blind instead of raising.

Some players feel they can see some flops cheaply with average hands this way. And of course if you are in a hand, you always have the chance to land a big pot.

This can be successful if you have the discipline to get away from the hand if the flop doesn't work out and then you can get away from the hand for a small investment.

On the flip side, if the flop is positive then you are in position to take someone's stack.

The alternative approach is if you raise when you enter a pot, that will put people off who are looking to get involved in the hand on the cheap. If there are less people in the hand then there are less chances of an opponent taking the pot.

Simply if your pocket cards are good enough then raise otherwise throw in your cards.

In truth, a mix of the two approaches based on your opposition is the shrewdest approach.

If you are holding a hand like a small pair or suited connectors, hands that get their value from hitting a specific flop, then limping in can be handy.

Raising can cost you if you raise and are re-raised as you will have to fold since your risk-reward ratio is no longer in your favour.

When facing a passive table in tournament play, limping in can allow you to see some extra flops that just may connect well. If you're seated early at the table, you may be able to build your stack up early by limping in and then collecting a monster hand.

Also you can limp from early position with big hands when there are aggressive players behind you as you can count on an opponent raising and then you can re-raise.

But if an opponent is preventing you from seeing cheap flops then there is no future in limping in and raising first is the only course of action.

Of course if you know when to limp, you can also counteract opponents who are trying to limp.

Some experts advocate increasing the amount you raise by the amount of limpers in front of you if your hand is up to scratch. So when on the button with three limpers in front who are trying to see a cheap flop then raise by three times the big blind plus one for each of the limpers so you raise it six times the big blind and this will often pick up the pot.

But as always assess the situation and make the decision to limp or raise based upon how the table is playing.

In Limit, the situation is a little different and if you are the first person in the pot in a limit Texas Hold'Em game, you should almost always raise.

This instantly gives you control of the hand and makes the opposition aware that you are a threat.

A raise always gives you the chance to win the pot uncontested, and in a limit game where bets are fixed, being able to win just the blinds is great for your overall positive expectation.

The last thing you want to do is limp in because if everyone else folds, that will allow the big blind the opportunity to compete for the pot with you for free.

Angus MacKenzie / Eurosport