The Ten Biggest Mistakes a Poker Player Makes

[Robbie Robb]

This could be in the "plays too many trouble hands" but something along the lines of "plays too many 'favourite' hands". Sure, we've all got the hands that we like, that have done well for us, but dude, there comes a time when you've gotta lay down that KJo....

[Robbie Robb]

Just thought of another one - more geared towards beginning players. This may also generate a bit of discussion:

Making the mistake of not initially focusing on, and becoming proficient, in one type of game before tackling some of the others. We all know Mike Sexton says that Hold 'Em takes a minute to learn, a lifetime to master; but I think it's important to be able to have a pretty good idea of what you're doing before taking on other formats such as O8, Razz, HORSE/HOSE, etc.

[melioris]

wow, great thread and comments.

If this is for live play, I add not being aware of your body, or self-aware, or however you want to say it. One should be aware of not just how they appear to other (which is really important), but also one's posture, body language, etc.

I am not suggesting acting, just aware of the nature body language you are communicating.

For online, I add playing too many tables. Finding the number of tables that maximizes your $/hr rate. Also, and along these lines, with online I think a mistake that good players make is not spending enough time analyzing your game with all the software that is unavailable to do this. For both NL and L pokertracker is not just to use against your opponents, it is to use for you to improve your game.

[thrash1294]

1 bankroll management (playing above your bankroll)
this is the biggest issue for most beginers I think

[Zybomb]

Q8s (especially in hearts) = RAISE RAISE RAISE

[ashmc2]

Here's a few I need to work on.

- Betting the river, when the only time you'll get a call, is when you're beat.

- Going for the draw even without the odds, just because you feel it.

- Calling on the flop because of a scary board, in stead of raising to see where you're at. Basically giving a free card.

[kkirk1329]

When to slowplay, i see people all the time giving free cards with 2 suited cards on the flop, with possible straight cards.

[PShabi]

OMG, stop it.

[ashmc2]

Sorry limit boy. Just setting it up for weds night. lol

[ashmc2]

Another few

- Being too impulsive (not putting your opponent on a range of hands before making a decision.)

- Not betting the right amount (to achieve what you wanted from your opponent. Did you want him to draw or not?)

[Nikita]

Not being aware of what type of opponent you are against. For example don't bluff a calling station or be cautious when in a pot with a rock who raised preflop.