Do not Play Every Hand
One of the number one mistakes among beginners is that they play too many hands. Playing more does not necessarily mean winning more, so try to stay in less than half the hands you are dealt.
Do Not Play Drunk
Even if you are just playing with friends on a Friday night and enjoying a beer or two, getting wasted at the table is a definite risk to your chip stack. You may be more relaxed after two drinks, but it could also lead you to play looser and less sharp.
Do Not Bluff Just For The Sake Of It
A lot of beginner poker players understand that bluffing is part of the game, but they still do not really comprehend how to do it properly. Bluffs only work in certain situations with certain players, so it’s never a good idea just to bluff for the heck of it.
Do Not Stay In a Hand Too Long
A common mistake which beginners tend to make is to remain in the pot because they have already put a certain amount into it. This is not a good strategy at all. There may be times when pot odds will force you to continue with the hand, but often you will be unable to improve your hand, so you should fold as soon as possible. The money already in the pot is not yours anymore so just let it go.
Do Not Call At the End of a Hand Just To See Cards
Throwing in a final call just to get a look at your opponent’s cards is a very dangerous move. You might be able to gain information that you can use later on, but if you really are unsure if a player has the poker hand that he seems to be representing, why give him even more of your money. These types of bets will add up over the evening.
