What Does Fold Mean in Poker?
Fold: The action of discarding one’s hand and forfeiting any chance of winning the pot in a poker game. Visit America’s Cardroom for more information.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Fold
This term is commonly heard when a player decides to give up their hand rather than matching a bet, especially when they believe their hand is too weak to win.
In-Game Example
You’re in a game of Texas Hold’em, and after the flop, your opponent makes a large bet. You have a low pair and decide to fold because the board is showing high cards that could easily improve your opponent’s hand.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Fold when the odds of improving your hand or winning the pot are low compared to the bet you need to call.
- Common Mistake: Folding too often out of fear, rather than making calculated decisions based on pot odds and opponent tendencies.
- Pro Tips: Recognize when a fold is strategic, saving chips for better opportunities. Over the table, use physical tells; online, rely on betting patterns.
- Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online: Physical tells play a bigger role in live games, while online poker requires more attention to betting patterns and timing.
Alternative Names
No common alternative names or slang for this term.
FAQs
- Q: Can you win a pot if you fold?
A: No, folding means you forfeit any claim to the pot. - Q: Is folding always a sign of weakness?
A: No, strategic folds can be a smart play to conserve chips for more favorable situations.
