What is overlimp in poker?

The dictionary of poker terms is filled with meaningful expressions (like overlimp) that describe the situation at the table. In one or two words, we can understand actions and derive strategies.

It is crucial for beginning poker players to know the meaning of terms and slang, as they are often used at the table, but also in educational videos, articles, and streams.

We'll explain what the poker technique called overlimping is and how to use it. And then, at the end of the article, we’ll recommend the next steps of your learning path.

Preflop, several players call a bet of 1 big blind – these are limpers

Preflop, two players place bets blindly, without yet seeing their cards. These are the small and big blinds. Only after this does the dealer deal everyone two cards face down, and the betting round begins. Calling a bet with 1 big blind is referred to as limping in poker slang.

Typically, limping is one of the beginner strategies to invest less, but see more flops. Players who limp often, usually play a large number of marginal and frankly garbage hands, so it often turns out to be unprofitable in the long run. Still, the feeling of seeing a flop for a cheap price is irresistible to this kind of player, however detrimental it is to their bankroll.

You’ll see more limping at low-stakes online tables, and far less at high-stakes ones (unless you are Daniel Negreanu, who loves this move on rare occasions).

Player Rating
4.5
Players online
2,400
Deposit bonus
100% up to $1,000
Mob. client
Auxiliary software
Other
Regular rake races
Overlays in tournaments
Playing with Americans
Bonuses from the GipsyTeam
Bonuses for active players
Player Rating
4.5
Players online
200
Deposit bonus
100% up to $1,200
Mob. client
Auxiliary software
Other
Regular Rake Races and Freerolls
Games in JPY
Bonuses from the GipsyTeam
From 30% rakeback
Help with setup and account setup
Promo code GT
Registration
Player Rating
4.5
Players online
500
Deposit bonus
-
Mob. client
Auxiliary software
Other
Play in USDT
Regular rake races
Bonuses from the GipsyTeam
90% rakeback

An overlimp occurs in a hand when several poker players limp preflop. That is, the first one plays with limps, and the next player to limp is making an overlimp. This scenario can often be observed in freerolls and low-cost tournaments.

This situation is challenging because you need to decide how to play next:

  • Fold a weak hand and give up fighting for the pot.
  • Follow along and limp into a hand, hoping that there will be no raises after you.
  • Play through isolation, knocking out players with frankly weak starting combinations from the pot.

Beginner players should resist the temptation and avoid limping most hands into the game. From the perspective of basic poker mathematics, such an action will be justified, since your opponents give you good pot odds (especially if you are on the button or in the small blind). However, with a junk or marginal hand, you will often find yourself in difficult situations postflop.

The best strategy against a player who likes to overlimp is isolation, also known as isolating. This involves making a large bet, which can pursue one of two goals:

  1. Win the pot here and now. You won't be too upset if all your opponents fold their hands – and you'll increase your stack without a fight.
  2. Reduce the number of opponents postflop. Most likely, one or more players will be tempted and call your bet. Even if you don't hit the flop, you can try to win the pot with a small continuation bet.

Isolation is a move that doesn't have to be done only with good hands. To blur your range, you need to periodically do it with not the strongest starting combinations: suited connectors, Broadway cards, etc.

The hero of the hand has a chance for an isolate

Anyone can learn to play poker. However, to turn a hobby into a source of income, you need to work hard and diligently. We’ve already collected some of the best software to improve with, but here are some other methods.

Какой вид покера предпочитаешь?

We offer some tips on how to learn from scratch:

  • Find a coach. With a mentor, you will be able to master basic and advanced poker concepts much faster, but you will have to pay for it. Luckily, learning at the micro stakes will never be expensive. We can link you with trainers if you’re interested – just get in touch with us.
  • Look for free materials. There is a lot of educational content on the Internet that is freely available: articles, videos, streams. Poker books can also be foundational, but they won’t provide all the sustenance you need.
  • Practice. GipsyTeam gives its players the opportunity to start a career in online poker without any investment. Freerolls won’t cost you a dime to enter, but the prize pools are real money. This is a starting point and a way for you to build MTT experience. Every day, you have thousands of dollars up for grabs, on different sites around the world.

We keep a full schedule of these events. Join the games at any time of day, without spending anything for your ticket.

Register using this link to get access to GipsyTeam bonuses:
  • Increased first deposit bonus
  • Increased rakeback and reloads
  • Help with deposits and cashouts
  • Access to private freerolls
  • Round-the-clock support
Win real money in tournaments without buy-ins!
114 more freerolls
Today 18:00 EDT (22:00 GMT)
$150
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $150 USD GTD
Today 19:00 EDT (23:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD
Today 20:00 EDT (00:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD
Today 20:15 EDT (00:15 GMT)
$100
Daily Freeroll ($100 GTD)
The code
Enter bonus code GTPRO when registering:
Today 21:00 EDT (01:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD
Today 22:00 EDT (02:00 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 03:00 EDT (07:00 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 03:01 EDT (07:01 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 04:00 EDT (08:00 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 04:15 EDT (08:15 GMT)
₮50
Freeroll NLHE Satellite
13 October 05:00 EDT (09:00 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 05:15 EDT (09:15 GMT)
₮40
Freeroll NLHE Satellite
13 October 05:30 EDT (09:30 GMT)
₮24
Freebuy Satellite
13 October 06:00 EDT (10:00 GMT)
$50
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $50 USD GTD
13 October 06:15 EDT (10:15 GMT)
₮30
Freebuy NLHE Satellite
13 October 07:00 EDT (11:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD
13 October 07:15 EDT (11:15 GMT)
₮50
Freebuy NLHE Satellite
13 October 08:00 EDT (12:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD
13 October 08:15 EDT (12:15 GMT)
₮40
Freebuy NLHE Satellite
13 October 09:00 EDT (13:00 GMT)
$100
Free To Play - Round The Clock - Poker Tournament - $100 USD GTD