In a way, each hand you play in a session of poker is an open door to your opponent toward the money you have in front of you. Each hand might be the one that you might end up getting all of your money in, and it is up to you and only you to interpret and respond to the input at the poker table to properly maintain your funds. Calling instead of raising, folding instead of calling: each of these decisions can mean the difference in how much you win or lose.
Thinking of yourself as the gatekeeper to your stacks is one way to learn to respect the value of every bet. “What would I do if my opponent raised this bet I’m about to make?” is a great question to ask yourself anytime you find your hand reaching for a stack of chips when it has been checked to you. “If I get raised, can I fold? What are the odds my opponent has a better hand than me, and a hand that is worth reraising me with? What are the odds my opponent might bluff me, and how often will I be able to call him down?” Remember this at the casino.