Poker Betting: When Folding Might Be A Good Idea

by Bodog Poker Staff | Feb 13 2012

Poker is a game of patience and those who wait tend to beat those who are undisciplined.

A large chunk of the game is knowing which cards to play, how to bluff and how to bet, but don't overlook one other key aspect: knowing when to fold.

Sure, most poker betting players know that 2-7 off suit is an awful starting hand and a good one to fold but there are many other times in the game where the best strategy might be to hand in your cards and not invest any more chips.

We've compiled a list of scenarios where you might want to think about folding as a potential play:

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When You Have A Modest Pair

Even the most patient poker players get a little excited when they're dealt a pocket pair. After all, it's a reasonable starting hand compared to the other things you can end up with.

The key here is to strictly focus on playing your best pairs. Playing any and every pair can get you into trouble.

If you're handed a pair of 10's to start, it might look good but if the flop turns out to have some royalty, then you've already committed chips and might find yourself behind. Similarly, if you're in the big blind and you go in to see what you can match up with your three-nine off-suit, and find out that you've paired off the three on the flop, it's still a very low pair to play with.

Focus on playing the top pairs, like aces, kings, queens and occasionally jacks. The poker betting odds show you'll have a better shot at winning.

Low Flush When A Flush Is Flopped

You'll always see a number of faces start to flush when a flop presents three cards of the same suit. Everyone gets fired up because it only takes one more card from that suit to hit the flush.

Again, the key here is to make sure that you've got a high flush before you get crazy with your chips. For example, if you're finishing off the flush with five, that means that anyone who has the same suit but a higher card can trump you.

Don't hesitate to put a bet out there if you've hit a flush, but if someone calls and re-raises, don't be married to your hand simply because it's a flush.

Holding The Low Card In Straight Draws

As is the case with flushes, straight draws can often cost poker betting players a pretty penny if you're holding the low card in the outside draw.

For example: let's say 5-6-7-8 are showing the board. The card you'd love to be holding is a nine rather than a four. That's because 5-6-7-8-9 is superior to 4-5-6-7-8.

Once again, you can put a bet out for a feeler as a straight is still a good hand, but if someone is calling and re-raising you, be aware that not all straights are made the same. Even though a straight is a good hand, someone could have the nine and therefore a better straight, and cost you a good share of your chips.

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