One more thing, if I am sure I am beaten and I am not getting the right price to call
, I will gladly give up on the hand and fight another day. Sometimes, when I am absolutely sure I am beaten and even if I am getting the right price to call, I will give up and muck my hand. Sometimes those lay-downs are hard to make but they are correct. There is no shame in protecting your stack by minimizing your loss in any given situation. Careful analysis of the texture of the board and what cards your opponent might hold along with their betting patterns on this hand and on prior hands as well all provide the information you need to continue in a hand or to walk away. It all begins with an aggressive raise.