Poker is one of the most popular and well-known games in the world. Because of this popularity, many new players start playing it every day and inevitably make many mistakes. Here are 12 mistakes that you should watch out for as a beginner.
1. Not playing enough hands
One of the most common mistakes is not playing enough poker hands. Rookie players are often too conservative and only play a very small percentage of their starting hands. This is a very common mistake that stems from not wanting to lose a lot of money. You can start out by playing fewer hands, but eventually, you will have to expand the number of hands you can play.
2. Playing too many hands
On the other hand, playing too many hands is also a mistake. Other new players get too excited and play almost every hand they are dealt. This is a recipe for disaster because it leads to you making bad decisions and losing money.
3. Bluffing too much
A lot of new players resort to bluffing much more than folding even if they have a bad hand. In most cases, it’s actually better to fold especially if it does not look like your hand can be turned around. Learn how to cut losses against better players who can possibly spot your bluffs.
4. Wasting a good hand
New players often cannot contain themselves, especially after finally getting a strong hand. You need to be careful to not inadvertently reveal it. Betting too much at once can very easily waste your good hand since other players will just fold. Instead, try to slowly bet and raise to make other players willing to match you.
5. Not paying attention to the other players
Another common mistake is not paying attention to the other players at the table. Many new players are so focused on their own hands that they don’t notice what the other players are doing. This is a huge mistake because it can lead to you making decisions on incomplete information. Always pay attention to the other players and you will be on your way to success.
6. Playing on tilt
A lot of players make the mistake of playing too much and getting tilted. This is when you let your emotions take over, causing bad decisions. If you are angry or upset, you need to take a break from the game. Come back when you are feeling more level-headed and you will not only make better choices but also have more fun.
7. Not having a poker face
A good poker face is an easy way to spot a good player. This is when you keep a straight face and refuse to show outward emotion. Many inexperienced players fail to do this without even realizing it. Always keep a poker face and you will become harder to read and exploit.
8. Not studying the game
Another thing new players forget is studying the game. You cannot just jump into a game and start winning. You need to learn as much as you can and practice. There are many resources available that can help you learn the game. Take advantage of them and you will be starting on the road to success.
9. Not managing your bankroll
A lot of new players make the mistake of not managing their bankroll. This is the money that you have set aside to play poker with. They end up playing with all of their bankroll and then losing it all. Always manage your bankroll carefully and you will maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. A great way to practice this is by playing free poker first, so you don’t have to worry about losing money.
10. Playing at too high of a level
Some new players make the mistake of playing at too high of a level. They think that they can just jump into a game and start winning. However, this is not the case. You need to start at a lower level and work your way up. If you play with much more experienced players, you will definitely not win as much as you think. Even if you get lucky initially, skill always wins in the long run.
11. Not taking breaks
Many new players make the mistake of not taking breaks. They think that they can just play all day and night without taking a break. However, this is not the case. You need to take breaks so that you can clear your head and come back refreshed. Without taking breaks, you may start making bad decisions.
12. Focusing on the short term
New players often see the game itself wrongly. They focus too much on individual hands, and games, failing to realize that poker is about the long term. As said before, luck is all short-term, and skill is truly seen over the long run. Poker is not for making quick money, and it requires real dedication in order to achieve results.
These are just some of the most common poker mistakes that new players make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will definitely improve your poker game. Always remember to pay attention to the other players, manage your bankroll carefully, and practice playing free poker games on sites like GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room. We hope these tips were helpful and gave you a better idea of how to play poker.