When Not To Fold In No Limit Texas Holdem

Players in no limit Texas hold em games encounter different kinds of problems depending on their playing styles. Many players call too much. These loose, often passive players are referred to as calling stations. The best tactic against such players is to bet for value, since these players will often call with a worse hand.

Some players operate on the other end of the spectrum. They don’t call or bet nearly enough. These players are unwilling to risk chips unless they are almost sure they have the best of it. While this method is more favorable than calling all the time when you play poker, it usually does not make a lot of money since players will learn not to pay you off when you have a real hand.

While it is often better to fold (or even raise with) a marginal hand than to call, there are situations where you should simply not fold in no limit Texas hold em. Here are some of the major ones.

When You Have the Nuts (Best Possible Hand)

This one is not as obvious as it seems. Doyle Brunson famously tells a story of how he was sweating an opponent who was considering calling his all-in bet. Doyle had the nuts and the opponent was obviously suffering, so he was dying for a call. Imagine his shock when the opponent called and turned over the same hand as Doyle. The opponent was somehow convinced that there must be another hand out there that could have beaten him, although he ended up calling.

On some occasions, the nut straight may be on board with no pair or flush possibilities, and someone will still throw out a bet in the hopes that an unobservant player will fold and forfeit a share of the pot.

When You Have Good Pot Odds

If you are staring at a $100 pot and an opponent goes all-in for $1000 more, you could be in a scary situation if you don’t have the nuts. However, if you only have $100 left in your stack, it’s really only $100 to you. You are facing $100 to win $1100, meaning if there is only a ten percent chance that either your opponent is bluffing, or that your hand is actually stronger, or that you can catch a card to improve to the winner on the river, you have a positive expectation call.

This kind of calculation is essential, not least seeing the large number of hands you’ll be playing in the fast and exciting online poker.

When You Are Sure That Your Opponent is Bluffing

No matter how scary a bet is, sometimes you have to go with your read. If all factors point to a bluff, including your observation of a player, the texture of the board and the kind of read you think your opponent has on you, you should call. Folding in these situations won’t get you broke, but if you want to go to the next level in no limit Texas hold em, you must be willing to make those tough calls.