Five Beginner Mistakes
Beginners make several mistakes in Poker. The mistakes may not cost them much money, but if they increase it can cost the player several blinds at his chosen level, and may even turn a potentially winning session into a losing one. You must be able to detect mistakes and correct them. The following tips would help beginners correct their mistakes | Tip #1 – Getting attached to hands Many players do this too often. Sure AK suited is a great hand but if you don’t hit on the flop and face a player who bets out to you, it is fairly certain that it is a losing position. Players will frequently call in this example, losing chips, and giving them a bad table image. Your opponents will soon realize that you won’t let good hands go, even when you haven’t hit, and will use this against you. Remember, if your great hand doesn’t hit on the flop, be prepared to let it go. | Tip #2 – Playing too many hands
This is possibly the mistake which will cost you the largest number of chips in any session. If you call too many hands before the flop your opponents will take you as a “Calling Station,” and can lead you into some sticky situations. I once received an excellent piece of advice, which helped me overcome this style of play. I was playing in a small tournament against some friends when I looked down and saw 78 off-suit in an early position. Of course I called, as at that time I saw it as a decent hand. The flop came 8 high, so I bet out. The button then re-raised all-in. So I quickly folded but showed the table my cards. The player sitting next to me said, “Why did you call before the flop. The perfect flop came out but you still folded?” This was a good piece of advice, because I began to think about what he had asked me and how right he was. Why should you call with a hand you would fold after the flop, even if you hit?
| Tip #3 – Going into Tilt Mode
Everyone takes beats but when you are starting out you feel the whole world is against you. You feel sure your Aces will get cracked, your straight will get outdrawn, and it really affects your game. After you have taken that beat you go crazy and start playing hands you wouldn’t normally, call “Tilt.” This often ends your tournament life or will have a bad effect on your bankroll.
All players go through this, many never overcome it, but if you want to be a successful player you have to learn to deal with the beats. I find the best way to deal with a bad beat or losing streak is to take a break and do something relaxing. It takes my mind off poker and when I come back I feel refreshed and read to play my “A Game.” | Tip #4 – Thinking Real Money Play is the same as Play Money
Almost all players start playing poker by learning basics at the play money table. However, the play at a play money table is significantly worse then a real money table. That is why, while switching from from play money to real, players often get disappointed after losing there first deposit within half an hour. When playing with play money, players have nothing to lose, and will risk all their chips with even the worst of hands. At real money this happens very rarely, and you need to learn the way real money tables are played fast to ensure you minimize your losses.
| Tip #5 – Not thinking about the long term
Of course it is bad losing a big pot, when your Aces get cracked by Kings, but saying you should have folded because you know aces will get cracked is totally wrong. If you get your money in with the best hands you will become a successful, winning poker player. No matter how bad you run, if you make the correct decisions you will always end the month with a profit.  Read More |
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