How to Fold in Poker

A player’s success in poker depends on their ability to make sound decisions under uncertainty. This is not only a key skill in poker, but in life in general. A good poker player is able to take the emotion out of decision making and make a rational call based on probability and psychology, rather than on a gut feeling or emotional impulse.

The basic goal of poker is to form a high-ranking hand based on card ranking and win the pot at the end of the betting round. The pot is the sum total of all bets made by players in that hand, with the money placed into the pot being voluntary (unless a mandatory bet has been made).

Each player gets two cards, known as their hole cards. Once all the players have their hole cards, there is a round of betting that starts with the players to the left of the dealer. A further three cards are then dealt, known as the flop. Then another round of betting starts, with the player on the left placing a bet before anyone else can act.

One of the most important skills in poker is learning how to fold. Don’t get involved in a losing deal, especially if it means you need to bet against players who have good hands. This is the only way to avoid going broke. Use the down time when you are not in a hand to study the other players and their gameplay.