Remember, everything you need to learn about poker can be learned from the Kenny Rogers’ classic The Gambler. No, really you can.

Folding

Learning the discipline of when to fold cards will save you a lot of money over the course of your poker career. A good player will fold far more hands than they play.

Generally fold any hand not listed above on the pre flop betting round.

A player should typically fold their cards if the flop does not pair their high card(s), make three of kind, or flop two cards to a straight or flush.

A player should usually fold if the betting actions of another player(s) convince them that they are beaten, or if they do not complete their straight or flush draws after the last community card is dealt.

Checking

Checking is a play that has advantages and disadvantages. Often you might consider raising or folding rather than checking.

A player should typically check if the community cards have not helped them.

Drawing hands are often checked in the hopes of seeing the next card for free.

If a player is unsure of whether or not they have the best hand at the showdown, then checking is often the best course of action.

Calling

Calling is very similar to checking in that it has advantages and disadvantages. Often you should consider raising or folding rather than calling. Here’s why:

A player typically shouldn’t call if the community cards have not helped them.

Drawing hands are often worth calling a bet in the hopes of making a straight or a flush. Drawing hands usually require a slightly bigger pot or lots of players in the hand, as the odds of completing your draw are roughly about 4-1 against.

If a player is unsure of whether or not they have the best hand at the showdown, then just calling a bet is often the best course of action.

As with a fine wine or a beautiful woman, remember this… Know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em.