One thing I have quickly come to learn by living on the tree branch that supports the Big Apple (you may know it as Long Island) for the last six months is this: Long Island-ers love poker, and we love Texas Hold ‘Em (we like to think Lady Gaga wrote “Poker Face” on a trip over to The Island while studying at NYU or participating in the Lower East Side’s Avant Garde).

Growing up, I never knew all that much about poker. I played occasionally with my family (trading junk foods and candies), but I do not ever recall being distinctly good at it. I have always been fascinated by games of strategy because I am a person naturally driven by emotion. Any chance to access the logical part of my brain, I eagerly pursue.

Texas Hold ‘Em is all about following your head over heart. Navigating relationships are the same. It’s all a bit of a gamble, is it not? You gamble your time, energy, money, feelings, and for what?

When you are mid-game, and things are getting heated, it’s hard to tell who is going win. Here is how to keep the most poker chips on your side.

Hold Him: If you are playing in the same league.

There is no way a beginner should expect to walk into a No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em game and expect to walk away a millionaire. That is just not realistic. There are people out there who will play and cheat you without remorse. Whatever league you are playing in, make sure you are being realistic with yourself and the other person.

Fold Him: If you are always the first to reveal your hand.

You should not have to be the one always initiating in a relationship. That is a clear sign something is up. You are both playing the game, so you should both be making moves. Don’t lay all of your cards on the table unless he’s willing to do the same.

Hold Him: If you have similar strategies.

The best strategy, in my opinion, is this: Do not be too carefree. Do not be too careful. Keep your poker face strong, but not so strong that you cannot relax. If you both manage to do that, that is half the game.

Fold Him: If he has a card up his sleeve (or another girl, or an ex).

This one is pretty self-explanatory. It’s not a game of odds and strategy if he has his own ways of bending rules. Either call him out or call it quits. And make sure to clean out your sleeves as well.

Hold Him: If the game is balanced.

Count your chips. If one of you is ready to go all in, and the other still has a hefty pile in front of them, it might be time to rethink your moves. Whether you are down to your last chip or you have got stacks on stacks, make sure your game is fair.

Fold Him: If it just does not feel like your game.

When all else fails, you have to be able to trust your instincts. Sometimes, you draw a bad hand. Sometimes, you are going to lose. It happens (that is half the fun of the game). You will be back in the next round before you know it. Do not try to play it. Let it go.