Poker is a daunting game of skill, strategy and blind luck but for all players, whether novice or pro, there are a few things you can do to help put the odds in your favour and let lady luck have less influence in your wallet content.
Don’t Play Every Hand – It’s OK to fold! The biggest mistake beginners make is playing far too many hands. You have to remember that playing more doesn’t mean winning more! Learn quickly that sometimes it is best to get out early.
Don’t Play Drunk. This is as simple as it gets. Even though land based casinos are social places and online gaming is fun, if you’re drunk your judgment will deteriorate. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a few drinks will relax you; it’s just likely to make your game looser and your mind slower. A few drinks with friends are fine but if you want to play seriously then stay off the sauce.
Don’t Bluff Just For Bluffing Sake. Bluffing is a skill that needs to be learned. It only works sometimes and on some types of players.
Don’t stay in a hand just because you’re already in it. Once you’ve realised that a hand is unlikely to be a winner don’t feel that you should stick it out just because you’ve already put a lot of money into it. It’s best to jump out with some money than to have to leave with none.
Do Pay Attention to the Cards on the Table. For the beginner it’s enough just to remember the basics and what you have in your hand. Once this is learned it is very important that you know exactly what is on the table and what it means for you and could potentially mean for others. Learn the game you are playing and study it.
Only play at a level you are comfortable with. Always play within your limits of money and skill. Playing to impress people will only leave you with egg on your face, and most importantly never play with money that you can’t afford to lose. When you have been winning consistently at a certain level it’s OK to progress but don’t be afraid of moving back down if it doesn’t work out. It’s pretty obvious, as the stakes increase so will the ability of the other players, so be aware of this.
