Poker Pitfalls: Top 5 Mistakes That Could Cost You Big

Making mistakes at the poker table is all part of the learning process. A lot of the game is trial and error when you’re just starting out. But if you keep making the same mistakes over and over again, you’ll be stuck as a beginner for far longer than you’d like.

So, to keep your head in the game, and your bankroll above water, we’ve listed the top five biggest poker mistakes every beginner poker player should watch out for. 

#1. Playing too loose

One of the most common mistakes new players make when they’re playing poker is playing too many hands, or playing ‘too loose’. Yes, you want to be right at the heart of the action—no poker player wants to be sat on the sidelines aimlessly twiddling their thumbs—but if you play every hand you’re dealt, you’re going to drain your bankroll dry before you know it, so you’ll be out of the game anyway.

We’re not just talking to newbies here either. Plenty of recreational and advanced players play it loose, either because they want to keep playing—folding doesn’t have quite the same element of excitement as a Mexican stand-off around the poker table—or because they’re convinced they can outplay their opponents post-flop, even though they have a weak hand. Just remember this is a risky move as players often lose pots at the showdown if their hand isn’t strong enough.

Folding is a crucial skill to master. It’s actually a crafty trick that successful players use to their advantage. Playing selective hands will not only improve your win rate, it will train you to make better decisions post-flop. It's much more strategic.

You're also more likely to walk away with your chip stack intact. You’ll still get to watch all the action, you can just join in when you know you’ve got the cards to kick the rest of the players off the table. Winning. 

#2. Playing too tight

We know we just told you to avoid playing too many hands. But on the flip side, playing too tight - not enough hands—can also throw you into murky waters. Firstly, it can make you extremely easy to play against, and secondly, it can cause you to miss out on a number of marginal—but potentially profitable - spots. The golden rule is to not sway too far either way. Avoid playing too tight by widening your pre-flop ranges, and strike a balance between value hands and bluffs. The hardest opponent to beat is one that you can’t read or predict, so mixing good hands and crafty bluffs will give you the edge you need at the poker table.

#3. Playing the same poker strategy over and over

You wouldn’t be the first poker player to think that playing out the same game scenario is the best way to beat your opponents. Why fix something if it ain’t broke, right? But of course, poker doesn't work like that. Your strategy might play out a success in a number of games, but in another, it could very well be your downfall.

That’s what’s so great about poker—it’s fluid, dynamic, and it changes dramatically game by game - heck, even minute by minute. It’s unpredictable, so you need to have a few strategies memorized and your wits about you to be able to roll with the punches. And believe us, there will be many.

Sticking to one style of poker will just hold your gameplay back, so learn to adapt to different situations and you’ll become as unpredictable as the game itself—and that’s one of the most powerful skills you can possess in poker, because no one knows what your next move will be. Oh, the tension is palpable!

#4. Playing without a strategy

It’s a ballsy move to step up to the poker table without a defined strategy in place. You might have a lucky hand, but if you don’t know how to use it to your advantage, you may as well fold before you even get started.

Every poker player knows that strategy is everything in poker. You need to understand the consequences of every move before taking action. Every hand you play has a long-term effect on future streets and decisions. If you find yourself in a tricky spot, consider the outcomes in a number of different scenarios. That’s where your strategy skills really come into play. Knowing how one play affects your future moves will be your key to poker success.

By looking ahead, you can make the post-flop much simpler. Always think about the reason why you’re making that particular decision, and consider your plan for the rest of the hand before you take action. 

#5. Playing out of your depth

Every poker player sets out with the intention of winning, but the reality is you’re going to lose a good proportion of the time. As a poker player, that’s something you’ll have to master pretty damn quickly. Accept your losses, learn from your mistakes and move on. That’s the nature of the game. With every mistake you make, you learn a new skill to apply to your poker strategy.

Don’t make it harder for yourself by playing in games that you’re not able to keep up with. Losing game after game won’t do anything for your confidence. Play to your ability and to the bankroll you’re comfortable with. If you’re just starting out and you play against a table of seasoned players, chances are you’re going to get massacred. Instead, play a solid tight and aggressive strategy with players you know you can play against. This includes being very selective with your starting hands, playing in position and playing aggressively.

As a beginner, the best people you can play against are fellow beginners. That way you’ll get to learn new techniques, learn the card rankings and really get to grips with your strategy. Once you’ve got the confidence to play in high-level games, you can start to apply those new learned skills in games that you feel comfortable playing. And you’ll be in with a much better chance of winning, too.

Poker Mistakes to Avoid FAQs

1. What does it mean to play “too loose” in poker, and why is it a mistake?
Playing “too loose” means entering too many hands, even when you don’t have a strong starting hand. This is risky because it can drain your bankroll quickly, and you'll often lose at the showdown with weak hands. A more selective approach, where you only play strong hands, is a smarter and more strategic way to approach the game.

2. Is it bad to play “too tight” in poker?
Yes, playing “too tight” can also hurt your game. While it’s important to be selective, playing too few hands makes you predictable and easy to read by your opponents. A balanced approach—mixing solid hands with well-timed bluffs—keeps you unpredictable and increases your chances of winning.

3. Why should I avoid using the same poker strategy over and over again?
Poker is a dynamic game where the same strategy can work some days but fail on others. Relying on a single tactic makes you predictable, allowing opponents to easily counter your moves. By learning to adapt and change your strategy based on the situation and your opponents, you’ll keep them guessing and improve your chances of success.

4. What’s the importance of having a strategy in poker?
A solid strategy is crucial because poker involves more than just luck—it’s about making informed decisions. You need to understand how each move affects the future of the hand, and having a well-thought-out strategy helps you navigate tricky situations, manage your bankroll, and increase your long-term odds of winning.

5. Why is it a mistake to play out of my depth in poker?
Playing out of your depth, especially against more experienced players, can quickly lead to losses and frustration. As a beginner, it's important to play at tables where your skill level matches that of your opponents. Starting with simpler games allows you to learn and refine your skills before stepping up to higher-stakes games. Playing at your level helps build confidence and improves your chances of success.