The pros are not perfect. Every once in a while, they make mistakes too.
Here are some of the issues that poker noobs need to be aware of so they can step up their game:
1. Playing too timidly or too aggressively.
There are beginners who play with reckless abandon, playing hand after hand in the foolish belief that this will increase their chances on hitting the flop. On the other end of the spectrum are players who play too defensively, folding most of the time unless they are sure that they have a good hand.
Both extremes are harmful: if you play too aggressively, you are more likely to go home with an empty wallet, while playing scared also limits your chances of winning anything. The trick here is to know the when to play or when to fold- and this knowledge only comes from hours and hours of experience at the poker tables.
2. Disregarding position.
In Texas Hold’em, your current place in the betting order is one of the most crucial factors that can make or break your game. Players should always keep in mind what position they’re playing in, and adjust their strategy accordingly. For example, playing in the last position gives you a huge number of benefits. The fact that you can see how the rest of the players at the table are going to act before the flop is one of the things that you can leverage to your advantage.
3. Not knowing which games to play.
Is there a chance you’ll be able to stand your ground against the people you’re playing with? Are your skills sufficient enough for you to make a profit out of your current game? As a beginner, you need to know which games to play and which games you can just sit out on. Of course, you can always play against those who are a lot better than you are to gain valuable learning experience, but when there’s real money involved, it always pays (literally speaking) to play with opponents we have a fair chance in winning against.
4. Letting emotions get the better of you.
Tilt is poker slang that is used to describe the aggresive playing style that agitated and distressed players often make. This usually results from playing too much bad hands, stress, confusion, exhaustion, or just plain annoyance with another player at the table. In this state of mind, your judgment is severely impaired, preventing you from making sound decisions in the course of your game. You overplay, you bet too much on weak cards, you throw money away every single chance you get.
To become a better poker player, never let your emotions cramp up your style. Be level-headed and always keep your mind on the game.