When playing poker, doubling your stake is part of the game. After three or four raises, the stake becomes too large and you will be forced out due to lack of funds. Historical house rules have set a limit of three or four raises. If you are comfortable with the odds, you should call. Otherwise, you may be forced to fold. Aside from doubling your stake, you should also be aware of your opponents’ betting patterns.

Unless you are very strong, you should not raise if you have mediocre hands. This will lead to impatience and recklessness, which will only cost you bigger pots. Instead, raise when you are in the best possible position. A few examples of good hands are kings and aces, a set, and a pair. A flush draw will make you the top pick and help you increase your winnings. However, if you have a pair of jacks, don’t raise unless it is absolutely necessary.

Sucking out is the opposite of winning. It’s a bad thing to be outplayed and bet big. But it is also possible to bluff your way to a good hand and get smashed by a clueless opponent. When you’re sucking out, you’re not losing because you lacked skill, but because you made bad decisions. You are simply trying to win more chips than you lost.