Many poker players forget it is ok to fold. Paying to see extra cards is just a waste of your money in the long run. Many new poker players want to be involved with every hand, but that is not playing poker! Poker is simply a game of odds and percentages. If you are playing with two people and you have a pair of tens, you are in a good spot that is worth betting. Take the same pair and add in 8 players, your position is a little weaker. More people could mean more high pairs are out there that could beat what you have. The same logic applies in small or large games, do not bet to “stay around.” Only bet if you think you have a fighting chance to win!

When being dealt your cards a player must come up with some play standards in which they can decide to continue or fold and must stick to their standards, regardless if they feel like “this is the hand.” Again, depending on what type of poker you are playing could determine what defines “good cards” but coming up with your standard will save you from making an emotional bet and losing money you should not have bet in the first place!