Do You Make These Common Poker Mistakes?

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If you’re new to poker, or even if you’ve been playing for a while, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you money. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 common poker mistakes that players make, and how to avoid them.

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Playing too few too or too many hands

One of the most common mistakes of those still learning how to play poker is that they play too many hands. They see all the fun other people are having and want to get in on the action, but they don’t realize that they need to be patient and wait for good starting hands.

Conversely, some play poker with far too few hands. They get nervous and become too scared to play in any hand. 

Calling and betting too much

Many players are guilty of calling too much in poker games, especially when they’re first starting out. They see a hand they like, and don’t want to fold, so they call even when the odds are against them. This can be costly, especially if you’re calling with a weak hand. If you’re consistently calling with marginal hands, you will likely lose money in the long run.

The key is to be more selective with your calls. Only call when you have a strong hand, or when you think you have a good chance of winning the pot. Otherwise, fold.

Likewise, a player can bet too much. When they do, it’s often because they’re trying to bluff their way out of a bad hand. But experienced players can see right through these bluffs, and it costs the player more money. Alternatively, some players bet too much simply because they feel confident. Nothing wrong with feeling confident, but overconfidence is a no-no.

Regardless of what the reason is, it’s important to bet wisely, not be overly sure of yourself, and not overcommit yourself.

Not betting enough

On the other hand, some players are way too conservative with their betting. One of the most common mistakes players make is not betting enough. This can happen when you’re first starting out, and you don’t want to risk too much money. Or, it can happen when you’re playing with friends and don’t want to upset them by betting too much.

Either way, it’s a mistake, and it can be frustrating. Technically, you’re not losing money, but you’re not getting as much as you should have, and you’re not giving yourself a chance to win as big as you should have. Poker is a game of risk and reward, and you have to be willing to risk some money to make any money. So, don’t be afraid to bet.

Folding too rarely or too much

Some players are so afraid of losing money that they fold almost every hand. This might seem like a smart move, but it’s a loss of opportunity to make money. It’s one thing to recognize that you’re going to lose, but it’s another to be so pessimistic that you fold just because you think your hand might only be second best. 

But just as there are players who fold too much, there are also players who don’t fold enough. They think they can always come back from a loss, but sometimes the best move is to just fold and live to fight another day.

Playing when tired or drunk

Many players make the mistake of playing when they’re tired. They think that they can still win even if they’re not at their best, but this is often when mistakes are made. It’s better that you rest up before playing poker.

This is truer with poker online, as it’s something you can play anytime and anywhere, including when you’re tired. Don’t do it. Get rested before you do. Once you have, go to a good online poker site such as GGPoker, the world’s biggest poker room, and is also a fun, secure, and convenient place to play. 

Likewise, never, ever play when you’ve been drinking. Alcohol will impair your judgment and make you more likely to make costly mistakes. And worse, never play when you’re both tired and drunk.

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Chasing losses

Some players chase their losses to win back the money they’ve lost. But all this does is put them deeper in the hole and make it more likely that they’ll lose even more money. The best way to counter this is to have a set amount you want to gamble and stick to it.

Tilting

Tilting is when a player gets so angry or frustrated that they can’t think straight. This causes them to make rash decisions that they usually wouldn’t make, and it can be very costly. If you want to practice your patience in poker, try free poker games in the meantime, and return to betting once you’re confident enough. 

Not paying attention

It’s important to always pay attention when you’re playing poker. If you zone out or start daydreaming, you could miss something important that could cost you your hand.

Get things in poker right the first time!

Now that you know some of the common mistakes in poker, you should be able to avoid them more easily from now on. So, what are you waiting for? Give your new sense of awareness a try. And there’s no better place to do so than in GGPoker.

All-Poker-Staff

All-Poker-Staff