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Commmon Mistakes

February 2, 2008

Mistake 1: Playing too many hands

When people sit down in a game, they want to play. This means some players will even play hands like Q 3. This is a big mistake, and hopefully, this article will help improve your starting hand selection.

Mistake 2: Playing above your bankroll

Sometimes the gambling and money aspect of poker gets to people too much. They become greedy and play in games they cannot afford or games where the competition is simply too stiff. Some players may get a good run in the low limits and think they’re invincible and move up to a higher limit that is abig mistake you shouldn’t move up the limits until your bankroll is ready.

Mistake 3: Becoming too emotional at the table

Bad beats will happen. Losing sessions will happen. Annoying opponents will happen. Don’t let your emotions sway your judgment at the table.

Mistake 4: Not using pot odds

If your hand needs improvement, the concept of pot odds can help you determine if you should call to see the next card on the board. Few beginning players understand pot odds, and they often call too much.

Mistake 5: Not following etiquette

This is a mistake that brick-and-mortar beginners make. When you want to make a raise, you should not say, “I call your bet and raise you $X.” Your initial action is considered your final action. So if you say, “I call …” it means you just want to call. If you want to raise, say “raise” and state the amount you want to raise.

Mistake 6: Trying to play like the pro’s

A lot of people learn how to play poker by watching it on the television. They then try to play like the pro they seen on TV and make crazy bluffs and play crazy hands. What is shown on television is almost always a tournament, and their hands are highly situational. The reason for the professional’s decision probably has little applicability to your own game.

Mistake 7: Overvaluing Suited Hands

Having a suited hand is a plus. However, you should not play a hand just because it is suited. The first two things to consider about a starting hand are the ranks of the cards and whether the cards are paired. These are by far the most important factors in the value of a hand. After this, you should consider if they are suited or connecting.

A hand like Ac Kh is much, much more valuable than a hand like J :-h 3 :-h . A :-c K :-h is a top starting hand, whereas Jh 3h should be thrown in the muck. This may sound obvious, but many beginners make the mistake of calling to see the flop with any two suited cards.

- Thomas Hardy

Written by Tom · Filed Under Poker Strategy |  

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