Most poker novices spend much time imparting themselves with information about the lingo used during poker games. This is recommended and advisable as poker is a highly technical game and knowing all the technical terms greatly improves one’s chances of winning. One of the questions that most poker novices seek answers to is what is folding in poker. The great news for all novices is that this guide has all the answers in relation to this question.
When talking about ‘folding’ or ‘fold’ in poker, we are referring to the strategy of giving up one’s hand during the game. Well, most don’t love the term ‘give up’ and in any situation, they may try to persist regardless of the obstacles placed in front of them. Unfortunately, in poker, giving up one’s hand (folding) isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, when used appropriately, it’s a sign of strength.
Folding is generally employed when a player feels like there is no better way to improve the hand and persisting with the game will lead to heartache. Often, players fold when they have a weak hand and the players preceding them place huge bets.
Instead of matching the huge bets with a poor hand that’s likely going to use, players save their chips and take a break from the current game session. When used in this manner, players can regroup as they watch the game ending and strategize for the next game with their chips in place.
How to Fold When Playing Poker
Like most actions that players take when playing poker, there is etiquette related to folding. Players shouldn’t just throw their cards on the table and excuse themselves leaving their chips on the table to grab a drink while waiting for the match to end and return for the next gaming session. Rather, when folding, players should employ any one of the following steps
- Toss the Cards: The first way of folding is to toss the cards. When tossing the cards, players should put them into the muck. This is a dedicated pile of cards that are not in play where all cards from players folding or cards accidentally revealed by the dealer are placed. Putting your cards into the muck even when you do not utter a single word will mean that you have folded and all remaining players will treat you as such.
- Declare Verbally: Another way of folding is to verbally declare to all players on the table that you are folding. As you are all within close proximity to each other, there isn’t any need to shout, you just need to be audible enough to ensure that every player at the table hears you. If you still have chips, it’s recommended to keep sitting on the table till the end of the game.