Poker is a skill game based on chance, but it demands patience and strategy. Yeah, sure, luck is involved, but you won’t get very far if that’s your whole strategy.
Newbies can make the same errors that can lose them a few chips and perhaps all of their bankrolls. The good news? Once you know where they lie, these mistakes are simple to remedy.
Even playinexchange users that like the excitement of playing a poker game understand that poker is about more than just the cards you get, it’s about the strategic decisions you make. These common mistakes are easily avoidable, and if you are new, they will give you a much better shot at victory.
So without further ado, let’s cover the common mistakes beginners make, and what they can do to correct them.
Playing Too Many Hands
One of the most common beginner mistakes is playing almost every hand. It might feel like folding is boring, but if you’re calling with weak hands too often, you’ll lose more than you win.
How to fix it: Learn hand selection. Not every hand is worth playing. Stick to stronger hands like big pairs (Aces, Kings, Queens) and strong connectors (Ace-King, King-Queen). If you’re unsure, use a simple starting hand chart to guide you.
Ignoring Position
The thing is, the latter actually matters — a lot more than you might suspect just from the title of the book. Taking the last action (the button) gives you the most information, taking the first action (under the gun) places you at the mercy of spoiling information.
Solution: Be more selective as an early position and looser as a late position. The later you act, the better decisions you should be able to take, as you can observe others.
Calling Too Much Instead of Raising
Many beginners love to call bets instead of raising. They think they’ll see more flops this way, but in reality, it often just leads to losing more money.
How to fix it: Be aggressive when you have a good hand. Raising puts pressure on your opponents and forces them to make tough choices. If you’re always calling, you’re letting others control the action.
Chasing Every Draw
Sure, you have four cards to a straight or flush — big deal? However, if the cards just are not working in your favor, trying to chase every draw is just going to bleed your stack very quickly.
Corrective action to fix it: Learn pot odds. If the bet you have to call is larger than the amount you can win, then often it is not worth it. Avoid throwing money down the hole with unlikely draws.
Overvaluing Weak Hands
Just because you have a pair doesn’t mean you have a strong hand. Many new players hold on to weak hands like middle pairs or low kickers, hoping they’ll improve.
How to fix it: Be realistic about your hand strength. If your kicker is weak or the board looks dangerous, don’t be afraid to fold.
Forgetting About Bankroll Management
One of the most typical rookie errors is blowing your whole poker budget in a bad session. Even the best players can lose their bankroll in a luckily fashioned bullet.
How to fix it: Set limits. This gamble should not be more than a small percentage of your total bankroll in one game. Instead of chasing losses — If you are on a losing streak, best to step away and take a break.
Failing to Read Opponents
Poker isn’t just about your own cards — it’s about figuring out what your opponents might have. Ignoring how others bet and react will leave you clueless.
How to fix it: Pay attention! Watch how opponents bet, how often they fold, and how they react to raises. You’ll start spotting patterns and weaknesses.
Beginner’s Survival Guide: Quick Fixes
Want to improve fast?
Start by fixing these habits:
- Bluffing too much — Bluffing works best when used sparingly. Don’t try to out-bluff everyone all the time.
- Not folding enough — If you think you’re beaten, fold. Don’t let ego or curiosity keep you in a bad hand.
- Letting emotions take over — Losing a big hand can be frustrating, but going on tilt (playing recklessly out of frustration) will only make things worse.
Sometimes, the best move is no move at all. Patience and self-control are just as important as knowing when to bet.
How to Get Better Over Time
Poker isn’t a game you master overnight. If you want to keep improving, focus on these key areas:
- Study strategy — Watch tutorials, read poker books, and follow experienced players.
- Review your hands — Look back at the hands you played and analyze what you could have done differently.
- Stay patient — Good poker players know that sometimes the best move is folding and waiting for the right opportunity.
Even the best players started as beginners. The difference is they kept learning and adapting their strategies over time.
Final Thoughts
We all make mistakes at the poker table — and that is how you learn. The secret is spotting them early and correcting. If you steer clear of these mistakes you will quickly be ahead of the curve compared to most newbies. Poker is a game of skill, discipline and decision-making. Be strategic, be patient, and most importantly — have fun!!!
