Folding is Part of a Poker Strategy
The poor play you see in online Poker can be attributed to a lot of factors, but one of the most obvious is the fact that people don't fold enough hands. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding this aspect more so than any other area of the game.
When a new player sits down to play Poker, online or live, the goal is to get action, so they do not fold. They see folding as an act that takes them out of the game. Second, players do not like to lay down hands because they think it will cost them money. That's the thinking of calling stations; they are afraid of being bluffed out of a big pot, so they call every hand.
To answer the last point first: being bluffed out is part of Poker. Granted, you could be bluffed and lose out on a pot, but what you lose there will be peanuts compared to what your bankroll will go through if you call everything.
As for getting action, your Poker strategy must always bear in mind that getting action is of secondary importance to getting money. You don't just get money by betting into every pot; you do it by folding when you have a weak hand. Money saved will be crucial, especially when you get the big hands.
To put it in another way, folding can be likened to a strategic retreat. If you are losing on this front, you remove your forces from that spot and move them to another place. The same thing with Poker: you fold your hand, save your money and use it for the next hand.
The crucial role that folding can play in a Poker strategy, especially if you are going to play online, will be immense. Go to any Internet card room and you will see playing on despite what is on deck.
In 7 Card Stud 8 games you will see people betting with an 8 up card. In Omaha you will see players take hands like KK77 to the showdown. In No Limit of course, you will see equally inept hands taken to the river. Take advantage of this environment.
Poker strategies are made up of numerous elements, and folding is one of the most crucial. Getting the best out of any situation means knowing that sometimes you have to fold. Including this option in your game plan will not just help you save money but also provide you with enough chips when you need it later on.
