When I was in college, a journalism professor shared a golden truth: “When you have trouble coming up with a subject for your column, make a list, and all your problems will be solved.”

“How many items on the list?” someone asked.

“It doesn’t matter. The subject defines the size of the list,” he said.

Armed with this wisdom, our study group brainstormed column ideas like “New York City’s Ten Hottest Hairdressers,” “Brooklyn’s Seven Best Delicatessens and Why You Should Try All of Them,” and “Manhattan’s Nine Most Romantic Places to Kiss.” Lists, we discovered, practically write themselves.

In the same vein, I’ve created a list of the most common poker mistakes players make. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point to review and improve your game.

#1. Over-Reliance on Immutable Standards

New players often look for fixed rules to decide which hands to play. While these rules work in straightforward scenarios, poker often involves shades of gray. For instance, should you play QJ in middle position if no one has entered the pot? What if there’s a limper, or someone raises?

Starting standards are helpful for beginners but should evolve into guidelines for experienced players. Experts use these as a point of departure, adjusting strategies based on opponents and the situation at hand.

#2. Letting Emotions Rule Your Play

Emotions lead to mistakes. Unlike physical sports where passion can fuel performance, poker requires calm analysis. Emotional decisions, like over-aggression or desperation, lead to costly errors. Stay level-headed and let logic dictate your actions.

#3. Over-Aggression in Early Positions

Early position aggression often backfires because you lack information about your opponents’ hands. Save your bold plays for late positions, where you have a better read on the table and can act with more certainty.

#4. Falling Victim to Fancy Play Syndrome (FPS)

Fancy plays, while impressive, often reduce profits. Mike Caro called this “Fancy Play Syndrome,” where players make elaborate moves to showcase their skills. Against weaker opponents, simplicity is key: bet strong hands and watch them pay you off.

#5. Over-Indulging in Alcohol

Alcohol and poker rarely mix well. Drinking clouds judgment, leading to poor decisions. If you must drink, do so after your session, not during. Your bankroll will thank you.

#6. Narrowly Focusing on a Single Hand

Putting your opponent on a single hand instead of a range is a common mistake. For example, if you suspect your opponent https://esubstation.com/ https://fitnessfoodonline.com/ https://furnitureskart.com/ https://indosiang.com/ https://listingtrips.com/ has AK but still call with a weaker hand, you’re likely making a poor decision. Always evaluate an opponent’s possible range of hands based on their actions.

#7. Playing Your Own Hand as a Single Entity

Similar to the previous point, avoid playing your hand in isolation. Incorporate deception by sometimes playing weaker hands as though they’re premium ones. This keeps opponents guessing and maximizes your winnings when you hit.

#8. Hoping Instead of Analyzing

Hope is not a strategy. Players who call despite long odds and insufficient pot odds are relying on wishful thinking. Poker rewards analysis, not hope. Always base your actions on logic and probability.

#9. Neglecting Record-Keeping

Good records are vital for tracking progress. They help you identify strengths and weaknesses, such as whether you’re more profitable in cash games or tournaments. Treat poker like a business—document your results and use them to refine your strategy.

#10. Being Your Own Worst Enemy

Your toughest opponent is often yourself. Improving at poker requires brutal honesty about your skills and areas for growth. Embrace the Japanese concept of “kai-zen,” or continuous improvement, and strive to outpace your opponents’ development.