Fold Equity

"Fold Equity" in poker refers to the extra value a player gets from a hand when they can make their opponent fold.

Understanding Fold Equity

In poker, Fold Equity refers to the added value a player gets when they can make their opponent fold. It's a concept used to express the potential benefit of making an opponent fold their hand in response to a bet or raise, rather than seeing the hand through to the showdown.

Significance of Fold Equity

Fold Equity is an important concept in poker because it can significantly influence betting strategy. It can make it profitable to bet with a wide range of hands, not just the very strong ones, because of the potential to win the pot immediately if the opponent folds.

Fold Equity Strategy

The strategy surrounding Fold Equity involves assessing the likelihood that an opponent will fold. This can depend on many factors, including the size of the bet, the opponent's playing style, and the texture of the board.

Examples of "Fold Equity"

• Example 1: In a game of Texas Hold'em, a player is first to act and decides to make a large bet with a mediocre hand. They don't have the best hand, but they believe they have Fold Equity because their aggressive bet may make opponents with better hands fold.
• Example 2: In a poker tournament, a short-stacked player goes all-in pre-flop with a marginal hand. They are hoping to use their Fold Equity to win the blinds and antes without having to see a flop.
• Example 3: In a game of Pot Limit Omaha, a player makes a large bet on a scary board with a bluff. They are trying to exploit their Fold Equity, banking on the chance that their opponents will fold their hands due to the potential strong hands the board allows.

Fold Equity FAQs