Know When to Fold ‘Em: When to Fold in Poker
The chances of getting two aces or a pictured pair in your first hand is a mere 2.1 percent. If you hold out for that kind of deal, well, your poker game will never get started.
But you might do this out of confusion — particularly, you’re not sure when to fold in poker. So, you wait for a great hand, or you hold on for far too long. The pros know when to fold while gambling, and, now, it’s your turn to learn.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When to Fold in Poker
Winning is, of course, the best part about playing poker. But you won’t be able to rake in the chips after every round.
You will have unlucky deals, so learning when you should fold will help you decide to bow out. And, in doing so at the right moment, you’ll earn more in the long run — no need to up the ante when you have a terrible hand.
Now, let’s determine when you should fold while gambling.
1. No Signs of Improvement
If your hand hasn’t gotten better through a few rounds, and you’re running out of chances to build on it, it is probably time to bow out.
2. Lousy Hand and Impending Bet
Next, you should fold if you know you have a bad hand, and the time has come to bet to stay in the game. You’re better off folding now, rather than losing more money.
3. Calling a Big Bet Feels Questionable
If someone at the table seems super confident — by calling a big bet, in most cases — you should bow out. Sure, they could be bluffing, but it’s not worth challenging it while holding a subpar hand yourself.
4. Things Are Getting Too Expensive
Finally, when the game gets too expensive to justify, there’s no shame in bowing out. That’s especially true if you have a subpar or even average hand.
Timing Is Everything
Once you decide it’s time to fold, you have to do so at the right moment. You can’t just drop your cards in the middle of another person’s turn.
Firstly, you should subtly look at your cards — a major strategy for blackjack, among other poker games. When you place them on the table to fold, make sure no one else can see them then, either. The dealer will not be pleased if you make your cards visible.
Wait for your turn to make any move like this. It can be tough to wait through everyone else’s calls, raises and folds. But only when the dealer gets to you should you fold your hand.
Online, of course, the rules are slightly different. You can fold as soon as you see your cards. But playing in person requires finesse with folding.
Fold and Improve Your Game
A well-timed fold is just one of the skills that successful poker players have to learn. With this trick in the pocket, though, your strategy will be better — and you’ll open yourself up to honing even more skills for your next game.
How do you know when to fold? Let us know in the comments section below.
