To “fold” in poker means to give up your current hand and forfeit any chance to win the current pot. When a player folds, they push their cards face down towards the dealer, indicating they no longer wish to participate in that specific hand. This action is usually taken when a player believes their hand is not strong enough to compete against opponents, or when they do not want to match a bet that has been made.
Example
Imagine a No-Limit Hold’em game. The flop comes ♥A ♣K ♥7. Player A bets $50. Player B raises to $150. Player C, holding ♣5 ♣2, realizes their hand has very little chance of winning against such aggressive action and decides to fold. They push their cards to the dealer, are out of the hand, and do not have to put any more money into the pot, but also cannot win it.
Strategy Tip
Folding is one of the most fundamental and often underestimated skills in poker. The best players fold far more often than they play. It’s crucial to fold when you believe your hand is statistically unlikely to win, especially when facing large bets or multiple opponents. Don’t fall into the trap of “pot commitment” with a weak hand; saving chips by folding in marginal spots allows you to preserve your stack for more profitable opportunities. Learning to fold poor hands pre-flop, or even strong hands when facing overwhelming action on later streets, is a hallmark of disciplined and successful play.
FAQ
- Can I get my chips back after folding?
- No. Any chips you have already contributed to the pot (blinds, previous bets, calls) are forfeited once you fold your hand. You cannot retrieve them.
- When is it okay to fold a strong hand?
- While rare, it can sometimes be the correct play to fold a strong hand, especially if you are facing an extremely large bet on the river and are certain your opponent has an even stronger, unbeatable hand (e.g., a straight flush when you have a full house). It also occurs in tournament play when preserving your stack is paramount, even if it means folding a hand that would win a small pot.
- Does folding show weakness to my opponents?
- Not necessarily. While excessive folding can be exploited by aggressive opponents, folding when appropriate is a sign of a disciplined and skilled player. It shows you understand hand equity and are not willing to gamble chips on unfavorable odds. Smart players recognize that folding is often the correct strategic decision to avoid unnecessary losses.