A hand with a 2 unless it is a pair of twos either suited or unsuited or an Ace-Two suited. For example, 2-3, 4-2, 9-2, 2-8, 2-5, 2-6, Q-2, etc. The truth is that these hands can only lead to a loss and as a poker player, the earlier you know this the better. As soon as you are dealt with any hand that falls in this category, you should fold and wait for the next game as the odds are not on your side. Also, any hand that has a 3 apart from a pair of threes and an Ace-Three suited should be folded. For instance, 3-4, 10-3, K-3, J-3, 9-3, 5-3, 6-3, 8-3, etc.
This is because, a 3 is a low card and even if it is merged with most cards in a 52-card deck it can only result to a low-card and weak finishing hand. With this knowledge of weak three-hands in mind, you will no longer play losing games hence you will minimize losses that you incur. If a starting hand has a 4, you should fold it except if it is a 4-4 suited or unsuited or an A-4 suited. K-4, Q-4, 6-4, 4-7, 8-4, 9-4, 4-5, etc, are examples of such starting hands. High chances are that these hands lose more than they ever win, so, the smart move would be to discard the cards as early as possible.
Any starting hand that has a 5 apart from a 5-5 with suit or off-suit, or an A-5 suited has less than 2% winning chance and hence, must be folded. Such hands include 5-6, 5-3, 5-2, 5-8, 5-J, 5-7, 5-2, etc. This is simply because these hands are not fatal enough to create a capable and competitive finishing hand that can have a chance of winning the game. Again, if you are dealt with any starting hand possessing a 6 except a 6-6 with a suit or without or an A-6 suited, you should fold. It is not worth it and definitely will bring about a loss.
By any chance if you are dealt with a starting pair that has a 7 you should fold as it usually has a less than 5% winning chance. They include 2-7, 4-7, J-7, K-7, 3-7, 5-7, etc. Although there are exceptional hands like 7-7 suited or unsuited, A-7 suited, and 7-8 suited. A few starting hands with an 8 are relatively strong and can have a shot at creating a great winning hand. Although, there are some that should be folded because they have minimal winning chances like 2-8, 3-8, 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, and J-8.
A number of starting hands with a 9 have a robust chance of winning the game by creating a good finishing hand. Unfortunately, some of them have a less than 3% chance of winning like 2-9, 3-9, 4-9, 5-9, 6-9, and 7-9, therefore, demanding to be folded. The only starting hands with a ten that demand to be folded are 2-10, 3-10, 4-10, 5-10, 6-10 unsuited, and 7-10 unsuited as they definitely guarantee a loss.
Folding is critical and most situations demand it, only that a lot of poker players mostly do not have the necessary knowledge to decide if they should fold or not. For a poker player, the discussed-above information is critical and should be mastered. This is because it instils knowledge on the confirmation of possible poker games to win, and ones impossible to win. By all means, this will minimize losses that you have been incurring and put you at a position where you will have elevated winning possibilities.
As you develop confidence in your post flop strategy, you can add poker hands such as QJ/A9/KT/J9/QT/K9 to your range of poker hands that you will play. Remember that when the players to your left are quite loose, you will need to tighten up a little more. You want to fold small suited connectors (if not all suited connectors) from early position. In middle to late position you want to play these hands with due diligence. You don't want to be calling large raises to play these hands heads up. Your goal with these hands is to play the largest pots possible for the least amount of investment possible.
Kenny Rogers tells us you need to “know when to fold ’em” and “know when to hold ’em”. Lady Gaga sang about perfecting the “poker face”.
You DO want a hand that contains an ace (in order to block AAxx hands). You DO want a hand with great playability (in case your opponent calls). You DON'T want a hand that contains a king (because you want your opponent to have KKxx, which he should fold). For example, a hand like A♠ Q♣ J♠ 8♣ is a super effective 4-bet bluff. You are at best a moderate advantage and very likely at a huge disadvantage. If the pot is so big that you are only putting in 10% of the pot, you should probably call. However, in this case, the bet is large in relation to the pot and you expect this player to probably have a good hand. Because of this, you should fold. 2-7 (offsuit) A 2-7 offsuit hand is the worst hand to start with in Texas Hold 'Em poker because there are so few good options available to you: you have no straight draw, no flush draw, and even if you wind up with a pair of 7s or a pair of 2s, you're unlikely to have the best hand. Of course, you'll see some crazy flops every now and then, but just because you see a rare 7-7-2 flop once in a.
But how do you know when you have a poker hand worth betting on? Or when you should cut your losses and fold? This question plagues gambling newbies and professionals alike.
And while there’s no universal answer, this article will offer some tips and tricks on when to fold your hand when to ante-up.
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Two Types of Poker Players
When it comes to folding your poker hand, there are usually two types of players. Those who fold too often and those who don’t fold enough.
The former loses out on most opportunities to win and makes themselves a target. When you fold too often, other players dub you a rookie. You come off as inexperienced and unsure of yourself.
The latter blindly bets all of their earnings and will quickly end up broke and out of the game. Other players at the table view you as an eager, overzealous fool.
To be successful at the poker table, you need to strike a balance between these two types of players. One of the best poker tactics is to keep your opponents guessing.
Even if you have your own system when it comes to folding or holding, don’t make it obvious to others. The less they know about your technique, the better.
Now let’s take a look at how to create that technique and make it work in your favour.
Know the Game
Before sitting down at the poker table, you should know the rules of the game. There are several types of poker including:
- 3 card
- 7-Card Stud
- Texas Hold ‘Em
- 5-Card Draw
Each game has its own set of rules, but the basic principles are the same. You should know the different types of winning hands and which hands beat others.
There’s nothing worse than going “all in” on a hand you think trumps all, only to learn you’ve been beat at your own game.
The Power of the ‘Check’
If you’re unsure about whether or not to bet, don’t. You can ‘check’ to the next player at the table.
When you check, you’re skipping your turn. The universal sign for checking is tapping the table.
The next player will now bet. At this point, you can either match their bet (call), raise, or fold. Checking is a good technique for buying yourself some time and sizing up your competition.
Players with anything better than a pair will often call the bet or raise. Unless they’re bluffing.
Bluffing involves raising the bet to intimidate other players into folding a good hand even if they themselves have nothing. Some professional poker players have won thousands using bluffing techniques alone.
After a win, players aren’t required to show their cards. This means you’ll never know if the winner had a good poker hand or if you were duped.
Trust Your Instincts
Winning in poker is 50% luck and 50% skill. Knowing when to fold your poker hand has a lot to do with following your instincts. And these instincts will change with every game you play.
There are good and bad days in the world of poker. If you’re on a good streak and every hand you’re dealt is a winner, keep going. Bet a little more and take a few risks.
But if you’re having a bad run and are losing every hand, it may be time to call it quits. Trust your instincts with each hand you’re dealt.
Are you confident your two-pairs will beat the competition? Is the player across the table bluffing?
Winning at poker and knowing when to fold have a lot to do with the other players at the table, which is why sizing them up is crucial.
Pay Attention to Other Players
Have you ever watched professional poker players on television? They wear sunglasses, hats, and hoods to hide their eyes and faces. And no, it’s not about making a fashion statement.
Body language is another important component of poker. Players offer countless nonverbal signs about the hand their dealt. A furrowed brow, eye twitch, or pursed lips may all be signs that they have a great hand or garbage.
Glasses, hats, and other distractions hide these cues. But it doesn’t mean you can’t still get a feel for your opponents.
Over-confident players tend to bet on every hand they’re dealt. They bluff often and thrive on scaring other players into folding. If you have a good hand, don’t let these types of players intimidate you.
Then, there are timid players. The ones that are clearly unsure of themselves. They may shift in their seat, play with their chips or cards, and hesitate before betting.
If you’re working on your own bluffing game, going toe-to-toe with a nervous player is great practice. Trying bluffing with a high pair or two low pairs. But don’t lose your shirt over it. Make reserved bets that if you lose, won’t put you completely out of the game.
Do the Math
You don’t need to be a mathematical genius to know when the odds are for or against you. There are times when it’s okay to take a risk and others when you should fold your poker hand and call it a day.
The best way to decide is by examing your money. Do a quick count of how much money you have. Now, assess the pot and how large the bets are. Can you afford to stay in?
If your money pile is getting low, fold hands that you’re not confident in. Only place bets on hands where you’re more than 50% sure you’ll win. There’s no shame in folding and cashing out your winnings.
Weigh Your Options
Before you fold your poker hand, you need to weigh your options. Folding means you’re automatically out of the game. Everything you put into the pot now belongs to the winner.
Are you prepared to lose everything you’ve bet? If so, fold. But if you feel there’s a chance you might win or you have a fairly decent hand, it’s probably worth the risk to stay in the game.
Plus, if you fold too soon, you’re making it too easy for your opponents to win. Depending on the type of poker you’re playing, wait until at least a few more cards are dealt before throwing in the towel.
This forces other players to (literally) put their money where their mouth is and fight for the win.
Know the Signs of a Good Poker Hand
Seasoned poker players are not only experts at the game of cards, but they’re also well-versed in reading the signs of other players. And you should be too.
When playing Texas Hold ‘Em, each player is dealt two cards to start (hole or pocket cards) and then asked to bet. If a player starts off with a high bet, they likely have a pair, two suited cards, or two high-value cards. Remember this.
What Hands To Fold Poker
Next, the dealer will then lay three community cards face-up on the table (the flop). All players use these three cards along with their two pocket cards to create the best five-card hand.
If the same player who bet big on their first two cards, ups their bet this time, they probably have a decent hand. Two more cards will be dealt face-up (the river and the turn). If at this point you have nothing, you should fold.
Although these signs aren’t a guarantee that your opponents have a winning hand, you should still pay close attention to their betting patterns. It’s unlikely that someone will bet a large amount on their pocket cards unless they’re confident they’ll win.
Bluffing in Texas Hold ‘Em comes into play following the flop, so pay close attention to the bets made before and after.
Tips from the Experts
Who better to teach you about when to fold your poker hand and when to bet it all than the experts? Here are a few, basic tips when it comes to folding and holding in poker.
- Never play poker drunk (your judgment is skewed and you may inadvertently bet your home or first born child)
- Don’t play every single hand (remember, it’s okay to fold)
- Never count your poker chips at the table
- Avoid high-limit games (unless you’re a professional)
- Don’t stay in the hand just because you’ve already bet (staying in out of fear of losing what you’ve already bet could result in losing even more)
Hands To Fold In Poker
With a little time and experience, you’ll find your own poker style and tips that work for you.
Time to Get in the Game
Whether you like poker or slot machines, you have to be in it to win it. And knowing when to fold your poker hand helps you stay in the game longer and keep your shirt.
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