Folding is a key part of playing poker well. At some point in every hand, players need to decide whether to stay in or step away, and knowing when to fold can influence your overall game.
If you’re new to poker, folding can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s sometimes the smartest way to protect your chips and make more informed decisions at the table.
In this post, we’ll explore how folding works, why it matters, and how frequently it occurs in real games. Read on to learn more.
What Does “Folding” Mean In Poker?
In poker, folding refers to the act of placing your cards face down and withdrawing from the current round. If you choose to fold, you forfeit any chance of winning that hand and must wait until the next deal to participate again. Your cards remain private, and any bets you have already made stay in the pot.
Players typically choose to fold when their cards are weak or when the cost of staying in the hand becomes too high. Folding is not only a way to avoid losing more chips but also a strategic decision to conserve your chips for potentially stronger hands and better opportunities later in the game.
When You’re Allowed To Fold In Poker Games
In poker, every player has the option to fold when it is their turn to act. This opportunity usually arises during each betting round—before the flop, after the community cards are dealt, and at later stages such as the turn and river in Texas Hold’em.
The exact timing for folding can vary slightly depending on the specific version of poker being played, but generally, you can fold at any point before committing more chips to the pot. Once you choose to fold, you are out of the hand and must wait until the next one to play again.
How Many Hands Do Players Usually Fold?
Most hands dealt in poker are not worth playing, so folding is very common. Experienced players often fold 70% of their starting hands, especially in games like Texas Hold’em. They save their chips for hands that look more promising.
New players sometimes want to see more cards and might play more hands, but over time, the best approach is to fold weak hands and wait for better ones. The number of folds can change based on the players at the table, their playing style, and the stage in the game.
What To Expect When You Fold
If you decide to fold, you simply put your cards face down and sit out for the rest of that hand. You won’t be part of the outcome, and your cards will remain hidden unless voluntarily revealed.
Any chips you’ve already put in stay in the pot, with the winner of the hand taking them later. After folding, you just wait for the next hand to start. It’s common to use this time to watch the action and learn how other players are acting.
By folding at the right time, you can preserve your chips and get ready for potentially stronger opportunities later in the game.
Biggest Folding Mistakes Players Make
Even experienced players make folding mistakes. Some fold hands that could have developed strongly, simply because they’re nervous or uncertain.
Others hold on to poor hands for too long, hoping things change, and end up spending more chips than needed. Sometimes, people misread opponents’ actions and fold when they could have played. And on occasion, players chase after previous losses, refusing to fold out of frustration, which rarely helps.
Revisit the points above and remember that each hand is a new decision. Making choices based on what’s actually happening at the table, rather than feelings or past results, can help keep the experience enjoyable.
What Happens If Everybody Folds?
If everyone except one player folds in a hand, the round ends straightaway and the remaining player collects the pot, with no need to show their cards. This can happen in any betting round and is quite normal, showing just how important folding is to the flow of the game.
These situations highlight the value of thoughtful decision-making about folding, showing how what a player does in one round can shape what happens next.
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