Poker Veteran of 50 Years: Folding, A Strategy for Success 

“The hands you don’t lose money on is just as important as the hands you win” — Doyle Brunson

It has often been said that a good fold is more profitable than a bad call

Folding is a basic skill set that is vastly underappreciated as it conveys weakness, which goes counter to poker’s leading blueprint of playing aggressively.

Folding is, in fact, making money inversely, by keeping the chips you already have. 

We all know that losing chips is part of the game, but consider this. In order to get back the chips you lost, you’ll need to win two-for-one— that is, winning two chips for every one lost, just to be back to where you were. So, do the math: not losing chips is, in effect, a winning strategy. 

Well, that’s easier said than done, especially since your opponents will use every trick in the book and any betting strategy available to get you committed to the pot, in an effort to separate you from your chips. At times, these strategies are so well disguised that you won’t see them coming, even when done in plain sight. 

Knowing whether to put your chips at risk or fold is the tightrope you are forced to walk if you want to win the important battles. We all know that you cannot fold your way to victory; however, by keeping the chips you already have, you’re able to stay alive to play more hands. 

Fold too frequently and you will be marked a pushover. Hold your ground with a large raise or all-in bet when challenged once too often, and it's just the jolt needed to let your opponent know you mean business. 

The fold option keeps you in the game, while the timely big move option keeps them honest. Folding is in fact one of the most powerful tools in the game.

Here are a few situational folding tips to help round out your knowledge of what to do on each street. Choose wisely.

Pre-flop 

Proper hand selection and intelligent decision making are the foundations for your next round of action. 

• Fold your garbage starting hands, such as 9-3 or J-2 unsuited 
• Fold weak draws when facing a raise 
• Fold your marginal hands like K-8 or J-7 when you’re out of position 
• Fold any hand that you think can get you in trouble, including an ace rag 

Post-flop 

With some of the board in view, you should now have enough information to determine whether to continue the ride or pull the cord and bail.

• If you completely missed the flop and are facing a bet, Fold
• If you hit the flop with a second pair or a weak draw, and are facing heavy betting. Fold. Wait for a softer spot. 
• Fold your 9-9 or J-J when the board shows overs like A-Q-7 and facing a raise. You might already be beat, so it may be time to release your hand.
• When facing a tight player who makes a big raise, you know he has a good hand. So Fold.

River 

You’ve got a pretty good hand, have invested chips, and have gathered some info along the way; now it's time to apply it. It is showdown or fold. 

• Facing a big bet on a river that didn’t help you. Fold —curiosity is not a strategy
• Even if you think they are bluffing, and all you have is a bluff catcher. Fold
• If the river made a flush or straight, and you’re facing a large bet. 

Fold your big pair, it may be beat.

• Fold to an oversized river bet, as you’re probably beat, and this may just be a value bet.
• If all you have is one pair and facing bets from multiple players, it’s a good time to Fold
• Fold even when your ego or vengeance wants you to call. Use discipline.

Remember, if you want to be a winning player, master the fold. Folding isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of intelligence and can be very strategic. Knowing when to let your hand go is a sign of solid play and is key to success.  

Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when not to play.