Poker Pro Vanessa Russo

What is Poker?

Poker is a game of cards with different sets which combines gambling, strategy and skill. There are a lot of poker variants but we shall talk about classic poker. Poker was a family household game at first but gave rise to popularity in the 20^th century and is now played by millions of players. So if you’re trying to learn poker, here are some common beginner mistakes to avoid in poker:

1. Playing hands excessively

You do not have to play every hand. Don’t get impatient and feel left out of the action. It could also mean they don’t know any better. The reason you don’t play too many hands is that you’re only going to hit the flop a small percentage of the time and even if you hit the flop you won’t know if your hand is the best. And if you’re involved in too many pots, your chips will all be gone.

2. Playing scared

Some players play recklessly while others play with fear. You may be afraid to play any hand thinking others might have a monster hands. The best way to get over this is to log in time at the table and just trust your gut.

3. Getting attached to a hand

Because of the aggressive nature of how poker players play, it makes you think ‘giving up’ is losing. But sometimes it is correct to fold. Do not get emotionally attached or play passively. You stay in a hand if you don’t want to get bluffed out of a pot.

8. Bluffing excessively

Some people think poker is all about bluffing but the optimal percentage of bluffing should not become predictable. You need to present a believable story and be representing a particular hand for your ploy to work.

4. Extreme Bet Sizes

You have to realize the pot limits and no limits. Correctly size your bets so that you can manipulate the action that comes with the experience of poker. New players often bet to the extremes which you should not do. Miss- sizing bets also occur after the flop. You want to bet what maximizes your win and minimizes your loss.

5. Chasing

You could see a hard hoping to improve your hand but calling a draw might be a mistake and has improper pot odds to do so. While you might hit the right hand, you might chase without the right odds and lose money.

6. Overvaluing bad hands

You might think your hand holds value but hold little value in comparison to other cards. Cards like K3,Q5 etc. With experience you can easily make a higher pocket pair.

7. Don’t let emotions affect your gameplay

You might have had a bad day at work but don’t rush into an action. Think before you act. Entering a pot or calling a raise without a plan might make you lose.

10. Playing above your bankroll

It’s important to manage your poker bankroll. There are variance plays in poker. You might go on long losing streaks. So play within your limits and don’t burn through your money or you will go broke.

With all these tricks and tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.