One of the biggest things that people tend to forget about when playing poker is knowing when to fold. Knowing the right time to throw your hand in is vital. Too many players play to the end, depleting their bankroll and making it less likely that they will make it all the way to the end of the game. Whether it’s playing at a friend’s house or at the best NJ online casino, this is something that players all across the world sometimes do.
That’s why we have put together a short guide to help you know the best time to fold. Our guide won’t make you an expert overnight, but it will give you a good starting point to improve your poker playing in the long run.
Watch the deuces
When it comes to playing poker, there is one card that you should generally look to avoid: the 2. When you are first dealt your hand, there are just three potential hands containing a 2 that are worth playing with. This is a pair of 2s, an Ace and a 2 of the same suit, and a King and a 2 of the same suit. Literally every other hand that has a 2 is not playable, and unless you have the greatest bluffing game in the history of the world, it is going to lead to you losing.
This gives you an extremely easy list of hands to remember. Just three hands with a 2 in are worth playing. To put it in very easy-to-understand words, you should fold if you’re dealt a hand with a 2 in, unless it’s one of the three hands we mentioned. This will stop you calling and wasting your funds in the pot for a hand that offers an almost impossible chance of winning.
Three times is not the charm
Playing poker with skill is vastly underrated. Many players think that luck is the only real way to move forwards. That’s why you should always look out for the 3. Just like the 2, there are just three hands that contain a 3 that are worth playing with. A pair of 3s, a King and 3 of the same suit, and an Ace and 3 of the same suit.
This means that the 2 and 3 cards are officially the worst cards you can be dealt when playing poker. Even being dealt a 2 and a 3 of the same suit isn’t worth keeping going forwards. It means that you should fold right away, unless you’re dealt one of the three worthwhile hands.
Bet size
You should also look to fold if the betting is getting a bit too rich for your liking. Obviously, if you’re holding a dynamite hand, then taking the risk might be worth your while. However,if you have an average hand and the betting is getting high, then it’s time to drop those cards and fold.
These tips won’t make you a winner instantly, but as long as you take them on board and slowly add more to your game, they are a great starting point for poker players.
