Knowing When to Fold: EXPANDED

Knowing When to Fold: EXPANDED

As much as bluffing is a powerful weapon in poker, knowing when to put it away is just as important. In fact, some of the best bluffs you’ll ever make are the ones you never attempt—because you had the discipline to fold instead.

Bluffing is inherently risky. When you’re called, you lose chips and reveal weakness—something savvy players may use against you later. That’s why recognizing when a bluff is no longer viable, or was never a good idea to begin with, is a sign of true poker maturity.

Ask yourself mid-bluff:

  • Has your story stayed believable from pre-flop to river?

  • Did your opponent show real strength along the way—check-raises, snap calls, large value bets?

  • Are you bluffing just because you’re frustrated, bored, or feel like “you have to win this pot”?

If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s time to let go. Don’t let ego drive your decisions. The worst bluffs happen when players try to force a fold against someone who simply isn’t folding.

Sometimes, folding isn’t giving up—it’s cashing in long-term equity. You preserve your chips, your image, and your leverage for future hands. Folding shows discipline, and it often sets you up for a more believable bluff later when the moment is truly right.

Also, when your bluff gets called, accept the outcome without chasing losses. Don’t double down on a bad decision or try to “bluff back” out of frustration. Recognize that every player gets called sometimes—it’s part of the game. The key is to learn, adjust, and wait for the next opportunity.

In short, smart bluffing is knowing when to fire. Great bluffing is knowing when to stop.

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