Knowing when to fold in poker is arguably the most critical skill in the game. The world’s best players know 8️⃣ this, and fold often.

When to Fold Before the Flop

In Texas Hold’em, the best poker players fold 75 percent or more 8️⃣ of all starting hands before the betting even begins. A fundamentally sound preflop strategy sets you up for success in 8️⃣ all subsequent betting rounds.

Even the loosest preflop players (if they’re winning players) fold before the flop around 70 percent of 8️⃣ the time. To figure out when to fold before the flop, you need to establish a set of hand ranges 8️⃣ that you’re willing to play from each position at the poker table.

Hand range charts (like the Upswing Poker free preflop 8️⃣ charts) represent the best way to establish a solid preflop strategy. Preflop hand range charts dictate what hands to open 8️⃣ raise with from each position, as well as which hands to call or raise with against a player who has 8️⃣ bet before you get to act.