6 Ways to Know When to Fold in Poker

 6 ways to know when to fold in poker

Commentators on TV lead us to believe knowing when to fold is an innate skill that only a few people can have. Superstitious players are out there who believe others can "read minds."

Understanding expected value (EV), is the key to knowing when to fold in poker. In the long-term, calling or raising may lose more money than folding. This is why it is best to muck.

You will learn that it does not require clairvoyance to make correct folds as you study and study more about ranges. You only need to be observant and have a good sense of your opponent's ranges. You can then decide whether folding is the right action, once you have taken into account the dynamic of the table. You can learn advanced concepts and still avoid some common pitfalls.

Here are 6 scenarios to be on the lookout for.

1. Your Preflop Hand is Trash

To poker players with lots of experience, this may seem obvious. This is something that I believe it's worth mentioning since I see many people playing with hands that are completely unprofitable.

A solid opening range is important

The rule of thumb is to not be in late position (sitting on the Cutoff or later), then you should stick to a tight opening range. Many players would notice a significant increase in their win-rate if the following range was followed or even slightly tighter if they were seated in an early or middle position.

Sticking to hands that favor the high card and suited ends of the spectrum will make it easier for post-flop decisions. This is when you begin adding trash like KTo into a non-stealing range.

Stop calling 3-Bets on Junk

A very limited range should be used to call an opponent's 3-bet. The truth is that the lower your post-flop skill, the tighter you should be. The following is an example of your 3-bet flatting range.

This range includes hands that have the potential to flop huge hands and draw and can avoid reverse implied odds situations. You will find yourself less dominated when you call with a disciplined range such as this. After you get experience, you'll be able to mix and match 4-bet bluffs.

Stop calling blinds a bunch of rubbish

Calling in the blinds is a violation of all three fundamental principles of poker. If the flop falls, you'll be out of position and without any initiative. You won't even be able apply pressure to your opponents.

To be able profit from flat-calling in the hands of players with a wide range, it takes a lot skill. Before you hit the call button, you need to be able to comprehend your opponent and come up with a post-flop plan. You are better off sticking with a 3-bet, fold mentality in the blinds for most players. This is especially true when you are in the small blind.

2. You are Priced Out of Your Draw

Sorry, this seems obvious. But, I still see it happening every day on my tables.

People don't understand the odds of a draw. The problem is that people are optimistic about implied odds. It is because they are too optimistic about implied odds that they fall for the reverse.

Reverse Implied Odds

Reverse implied odds are when you attempt to hit one of your outs but it makes your opponent a stronger hand. Or, he or she might have had a better starting hand. You can think of paired boards.

These are just a few examples:

An example is a straight draw that you have on a two tone flop. Normaly, you would have 8 outs. This case however, you will have 2 outs. These two outs will complete the flush and help to make a better hand for your opponents. There are only 6 "clean outs".

Your position is another factor that can dramatically impact your chances.

Holding a draw when you don't close the action

Even if you are able to hold a hand at a high price with good implied odds and a strong hand, if there is a raise or other reraise, your chances of winning a draw with a drawing hand go way down. This is because the other player behind you may raise your stake and force you out of the pot. BAD FOLDS IN POKER