[Vocabulary] fold 'em

[maiabulela]

Dear all,

What is the meaning of "to know how to fold 'em". I found some results on Google about gambling but I couldn't get it.

[Don’t we both know how this game ends? (o.s.) Really, Bobby, (on) you gotta know when to fold ‘em]

Does " 'em " stands for "them"?
Thanks a lot.

 

[maiabulela]

Gil

"so them refers to "poker cards" and "when to fold 'em" mean "when to end the game. Hope I'm right.

 

[maiabulela]

Over the years this phrase has been used in a wider context. It has taken on the meaning of when to quit something. To fold 'em doesn't mean that the game will end, it means that one player will stop playing for that hand.

but "quit" means to end it! I mean if he quits the game, it ends for him. Or what does he simply mean?

 

[maiabulela]

Yes, but he only quits for one time. It is called a "hand" when the cards are handed (dealt) to the players. If a player "folds" he only quits for that hand. He may play the next hand - it is not the end of the game for him.

So what does he mean here? (they are speaking generally and no poker involved)!