Finding Ways to Fold
Finding Ways to Fold The sure way to lose money playing poker is to resist folding and continue to bet even when it seems risky. Here are five instances of mistaken thinking that you should squash, and instead focus on why you should fold. If you are tempted to call or bet, re-consider if you are thinking: * That bet is just a bluff, so I will call to expose the bettor. This is the lamest reason of all not to fold. Yes, sometimes you are going to run into a bluff and it might pay to pursue a marginal hand. In limit poker, the harm is much smaller. In No-Limit, calling a big bet could bust your bank roll. Don’t feel obligated to keep other players honest. Instead, be determined to hold onto your chips. * I can’t fold now because I am pot committed. This is just poor logic when you know your online poker hand is unlikely to win. Why throw away more chips on a dead poker hand? Accept that you have contributed dead money to the pot, and be done with it. * Betting is the way to win, so I must bet. Remember, folding is a way to win too. Don’t just bet for the heck of it or because you feel obligated to do so with a small pair. Base your bets on your hand strength and position. * I’ve already made a few bets, what’s a few more. Again, you are taking the wrong approach to money management. Every chip saved can be used as leverage when you do hit a winning hand. * I’ll just keep buying more chips until I’m back to even – this is a mantra for every losing gambler. Call it a day and come back refreshed another time.
