Choosing the hands you think you can win is an important part of the game. Folding at the right time is the first part of basic poker strategy. The strategy is simple. If you don't have a strong hand, fold early. Top Hold'em players might fold 80% of their hands before the flop. The idea is to only play when you are confident that you have the advantage.

The bigger the pot is, the stronger your hand needs to be to continue. Be realistic about what you can win with the the hand you have been dealt. The bigger the pot is, the stronger the chances that someone else has a very good hand!

Get inside your opponent's head. What do you think he has? Why the hesitation? What do you think he thinks you have? What does he think you think he has? If you can outsmart your opponent on this level, you will have the advantage. But it takes practice. New poker players tend to concentrate too much on their own hand. It's just as important to understand what your opponent might have as well.