5 rookie mistakes

[rlg476]

Top 5 Rookie Mistakes

Playing to many hands – you’ve got to be selective when playing poker. The old saying may go “you can’t win if you don’t play,” but it’s also true that you can’t lose what you don’t put in the pot. Playing mediocre hands that lose most of the time when up against premium hands will destroy your chip stack. By playing too many hands, you’re tipping the odds in your opponent’s favor.

Playing over your head – If you’re really a beginner, play at a beginner table. Many rookies think they have the game down cold just because they watch the WPT on TV all the time and they cleaned up while playing their poker buddies in the basement. Start out small and if you dominate those levels, move up. It will save you lots of money if you play below your level instead of over it.

Too much bluffing – This is another rookie symptom brought on by watching too much poker on TV. You’re not a poker pro yet, so don’t think you can act like one. Throwing in the occasional bluff is fine, but don’t fall in love with trying to dupe the table, or the players who know what they’re doing will fleece you.

Playing distracted – If you’re going to play poker then play poker. Don’t listen to your favorite tunes while watching TV and catching up on some of that work you missed while slacking off at the office. If you’re not totally focused on the game, you’ll make that one big mistake that sucks you dry.

Falling in love with your hand – Rookies who get monster hands tend to play them out no matter what happens. When they do pull in a monster hand and it gets beat, that usually means a lot of chips just went to their opponent. Remember, no matter how good your hand is, it is beatable, so don’t be afraid to fold if you know you’re beat.

[mafalda34]

nice post sir. I think its very useful to all the players, ive been playing poker for a few years and i found the post really nice. Its very nice to remember basic stuff once in a while.

[derringer007]

I agree with mafalda34, That sometimes you lose your perspective, And must get back to the basics. Very nice thread. All players should read whether you are just starting out or been playing poker for years.

[wixx]

Nice post, good info. These mistakes cost most rookies a lot of money. Being able to overcome these mistakes is the first thing that separates the profitable players from the fish.

[villaridge]

Yep, nice post. Getting back, and refreshing oneself with the foundations of poker is very important. I do notice that only folks with a lot of posts have responded to this.

Us players that have learned a thing or two really really believe that minding your foundation in poker is very important and hell, helps your game. I would like to see some newbies respond to this thread.

Go ahead and jump in, there are folks here that can and will clarify any questions u have about what rlg476 posted.

[TeeKae]

Top 5 Rookie Mistakes

Falling in love with your hand – Rookies who get monster hands tend to play them out no matter what happens. When they do pull in a monster hand and it gets beat, that usually means a lot of chips just went to their opponent. Remember, no matter how good your hand is, it is beatable, so don’t be afraid to fold if you know you’re beat.

I did this Tuesday in our US OPEN LEAGUE game at Bodog. I had this stinking pair of kings and even though I knew my opponent was a strong player and even though (s)he told me twice via raises that they had Aces, I rode those Cowboys to elimination. It was like watching a slow motion wreck and not being able to prevent it.

[villaridge]

great description TenKing. lol. Been There and Done That, and most sadly, I still get on that train wreck at times.. lol

[ironman36]

nice post but most rookies do not get to forums early on in there learning curve tho. but there is one exception to this rule i have been playing on line a couple years of and on and iam still a rookie thanks for the post

[derringer007]

It is never to late to read a great thread/post like this. Unless your making enough money playing poker online or live to support your self and give up your day job, All poker enthusiasts need to read & re-read this post , There favorite poker book etc........... If you think you know it all, You should think again.

[67christine]

this newbie thanks you for the great advice. I have broken some of the rules and I have lost big time. I do not play for money (yet) so it didn't hurt that much. I find that if I have the tunes on it relaxes me and I can focus more. If the tv is on, forget about it. I find it distracts me way to much.