When to fold

 

Even for the worst kind of fish, sooner or later it becomes obvious that not all starting hands are created equal. The realization that some hands need to be folded (preflop or later on in the hand) might come as a shock to many, but that’s exactly what fish need to learn if they ever intend to take their game to a higher level.

Out of the many pocket hand combinations, only a few a really playable, but there are more circumstances that determine whether you’ll be able to play a certain hand or not.

Position at the table is certainly one of them. You may want to play certain hands while in late position (which gives you an advantage) while folding the same hand when in early position.

The most important thing about knowing why and how to play certain hands, opposed to just being hung up on what hands to play, is that you’ll have a much better understanding of when you need to fold.

Sometimes you’ll need to see many more flops than you’d actually like to (in case you’re trying to appear loose to your opponents) other times, you’ll have to tighten.

At any rate, if you manage to take a peak at the flop relatively cheaply, you should always be aware of the fact that on the flop your hand is 70% made. That only leaves a 30% chance for it to improve.

You need to play it really tight on the flop, much tighter than your preflop antics, whatever they may be.

The ability to adapt to certain opponents and certain in-game situations also comes in big here.