← Blog

Strategy · 6 min

7 beginner mistakes in poker (and how to avoid them)

Most beginners lose because of the same basic mistakes, not bad luck. Here are the 7 most expensive ones and how to fix them starting today.

Almost nobody loses at poker from bad luck over the long run: they lose from repeated mistakes. The good news is that the most expensive ones are easy to fix. Here are the big 7.

  • Playing too many hands. The #1 mistake. Fold bad hands without regret, especially from early positions.
  • Ignoring position. Playing the same from every seat. Play more when you act last.
  • Calling “out of curiosity”. If you beat nothing and don't improve, fold. Curiosity costs chips.
  • Having no bet sizing that makes sense. Betting at random. The size should have a purpose (value or bluff).
  • Bluffing someone who calls everything. Against a calling station, bet for value only.
  • Playing on tilt. Playing on after a bad run instead of getting up. Have a stop-loss.
  • Not studying. Playing a lot without reviewing your hands. Volume without reflection teaches nothing.
💡 Fix just the first one (playing fewer hands) and you'll already do better than most. One leak at a time.
🎓 Start the course and plug your leaks

Keep reading

Poker Hand Rankings: From Strongest to Weakest

Which hand beats which? The complete poker hierarchy, from the straight flush to high card, with clear examples so you never get it wrong.

Texas Hold'em Rules: The Complete Guide to Getting Started

Everything you need to play your first hand of Texas Hold'em: the cards, the rounds, the blinds, and how you win. Explained from scratch, no jargon.