15 common poker mistakes beginners make (and how to fix them)
Almost every beginner makes the same mistakes. The good news: each one has a simple fix. Pick the two or three that sound most like you and work on those first.
Preflop
Section titled “Preflop”- Playing too many hands. Fix: fold most hands, especially out of position. See hands to fold.
- Limping. Fix: raise or fold. See limping.
- Ignoring position. Fix: play more hands on the button, fewer early. See poker positions.
- Overvaluing weak aces and kings. Fix: fold A-x and K-x offsuit early. See domination.
- Calling 3-bets with weak hands. Fix: 4-bet or fold most hands. See facing a 3-bet.
After the flop
Section titled “After the flop”- Calling too much. Fix: if you wouldn’t bet, think twice before calling big bets. See pot odds.
- Bluffing calling stations. Fix: value bet them instead. See calling stations.
- Slow-playing too often. Fix: bet your strong hands. See value betting.
- Not folding one pair to big aggression. Fix: respect big turn and river bets at low stakes. See facing a river overbet.
- Chasing draws without odds. Fix: count outs. See poker math cheat sheet.
- Bluffing with showdown value. Fix: check medium hands. See showdown value.
Money and mindset
Section titled “Money and mindset”- Playing too high for your bankroll. See bankroll management.
- Tilting after bad beats. See tilt.
- Judging decisions by results. See variance.
- Never reviewing hands. See review your hands.
Next: 20 poker tips for beginners and how to learn poker.
What is the most common beginner poker mistake?
Section titled “What is the most common beginner poker mistake?”Playing too many hands, especially from early position.
Why is limping a mistake?
Section titled “Why is limping a mistake?”It gives up initiative and invites others into the pot; raise or fold instead.
Should beginners bluff a lot?
Section titled “Should beginners bluff a lot?”No. Most low-stakes opponents call too much, so value betting wins more.
How can I fix my mistakes faster?
Section titled “How can I fix my mistakes faster?”Pick two or three leaks, focus on them for a few sessions and review your hands.