Usually, poker odds are pretty clear cut: some hands have higher chances of bringing you a win, while others are not worth the trouble of betting. There are plenty of Texas Hold'em cheat sheets that clearly show which hands you should fold, which include cards like 8-2 or J-3.
However, some high-ranked hands have the potential to outshine your opponents. I mean, who wouldn't want to have a top pair in their hands? But a strong hand doesn't automatically guarantee you a win, and sometimes you should still fold despite having a seemingly unbeatable hand.
In this Everygame poker guide, you will learn exactly when to fold – even if you have a strong set of cards.
Rules of Folding with a Great Hand in Poker
First of all, you should remember that the main goal of folding is to preserve your bankroll. By folding when the odds are not in your favor, you get to save your chips and use them better at a future date.
Even if you have a strong hand, let's say it's a Q-Q combo, you still have to take into consideration multiple factors before you fully commit to finishing the round. In fact, in some cases, you will still decide to fold despite your strong cards.
The first thing you should pay attention to is your opponent's playing strategy. If the person sitting across the table is a cautious player who only bets when having a strong hand, you should be careful when they decide to stick it out and keep playing.
You should also be very mindful of the community cards. With every card that is revealed, players get a chance to create even stronger card combinations. Look at the table closely and try to figure out what combos your opponents might get. And if there is a chance they might have a better ranking hand than yours – you should fold as early as possible so as not to lose too much money.
And lastly, always pay attention to how many chips you have left. If you are running low on poker chips and you are unsure of your hand – even if it is a decent one – you shouldn't take unnecessary risks. Lay low and wait for a better opportunity to stun your opponents with a spectacular hand!
Being a careful player means you might sometimes experience disappointment. You might decide to fold even with a top pair and later on discover that you could have won. But don't be discouraged if something like that happens, as it is part of the learning process. Slowly but surely, your ability to read the table will improve, and you will be able to know exactly when to fold and when to play.
Increase Your Chances of Winning Big!
Here is another important poker rule you should remember: poker is all about timing. Sometimes, you can get lucky enough to win a hand even with a low pair, and in other cases, even two aces won't help you.
You should focus on analyzing your odds with each hand you're dealt and pick the right time to raise – and the right time to fold. Don't be too rash, thinking that a top pair guarantees you leave the table with a big win, and try to stay grounded and realistic at all times.
If you manage to keep your cool, remain patient, and pick only the best hands to play, you might just become a successful poker player!