Jim,

It's not necessarily a dumb question. Pot limit is when the maximum bet that can be made is what is in the pot. Now, that also includes your called bet too if you want to raise.

For example, let's say there's $20 in the pot and the first person to act bets $10 on the turn card, and another person calls. You want to raise, but what is the maximum amount you can make it? You're probably thinking $40, but that's not it. The correct answer is $60. There's already $40 in the pot ($20 on the flop, $10 bet on the turn, $10 call), your maximum raise will include your call, which is an additional $10, making the pot $50, so you can raise $50 making your bet $60 to go. $10 call plus raising the pot, which in this case is $50.

Confused?? Just remember any full pot raise must also include your call of the original bet. If you were first to act, your maximum bet would only be what was in the pot. Any action after that would be included in the pot for anyone to raise behind you.

Gene, I hope I'm correct on this because I'd feel silly even though we don't offer any pot-limit games at the Palms.

Jim