Good vs Bad Poker Advice: Separating Fact From Fiction

When it comes to poker, everyone has an opinion. But just because someone’s dishing out advice doesn't mean it's worth a seat at the table. Lesson 101!

In a world overflowing with information, finding reliable poker tips can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack—while blindfolded. And let’s face it, that needle is probably a dud anyway. The same goes for poker strategies; plenty are misleading, and some are downright absurd. Sorting through this jumble of advice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting to make your mark at the tables. 

But don’t sweat it, we’ve got your back. With our no-nonsense guide, you’ll learn how to spot the good stuff, steer clear of the bad apples, and save yourself from costly blunders. 

So, grab a seat and let’s separate the poker gold from the fool’s gold. 

Identifying Good vs. Bad Poker Advice

Not all poker advice is worth your time—or chips. Knowing how to separate the gems from the junk can save you costly mistakes at tables. Here’s how to filter out the noise and keep your strategy razor-sharp:

#1. Consider the Source

Who is dishing out the advice? The person behind the tip matters—a lot. Plenty of established pros like Daniel Negreanu or Phil Ivey have built careers on proven strategies, making their advice worth its weight in gold. And we mean the real 24 carat stuff. Similarly, trusted poker websites are often a safe bet. 

But beware of unverified sources like comment sections and public forums. Sure, there might be an occasional nugget of wisdom, but most of it is unreliable chatter. It’s like asking a random stranger on the street for investment advice. You might get lucky and stumble across an investment strategist, but more likely, you’ll end up with advice from someone who has no idea what they’re talking about. 

#2. Check Their Track Record

The truth is in the pudding—or, in this case, their poker wins. Are they crushing it at the tables, or do they have a history of flops? While legends like Phil Ivey have the wins to back up their advice, someone who consistently loses may not be the best role model to look up to. 

Gambling legend Nikolaos Dandolos, also known as "Nick The Greek", is a perfect example. He won—and lost—hundreds of millions, bouncing from rags to riches dozens of times. While Nick was undoubtedly skilled in games of chance, his wild swings in fortune might not align with your poker goals or offer the most reliable strategies.

#3. Spot the Obvious Errors

Bad poker advice often gives itself away through glaring mistakes. Misunderstanding basic concepts like the flop, big blind, or hand rankings is a red flag. If their tips are riddled with eros, don’t let their lack of knowledge derail your game.  

#4. Question Their Motives

Ask yourself: Why is this person sharing this advice? Poker is a game of exploiting weaknesses, and opponents can try all sorts of dirty tricks to take your chips. There’s always one guy in the online chat or at the table in a live game who advises you to fold because he "Has you Beat,". He’s likely bluffing.

Why do you deserve such generosity from a stranger? They may be a good person who doesn't want to take any more of your chips because they have hit a royal flush, but more than likely, they don't have your best interest at heart. Always consider whether the advice serves your interests—or theirs.

#5. Do They Practice What They Preach?

Actions speak louder than words. If someone advocates for tight hand selection but plays every hand themselves, that’s a red flag. Good advice comes from people who actually follow their own strategies.

#6. Watch for Emotion-Driven Rants 

Objective advice is your best bet. If someone’s tirade against a particular hand feels more emotional than rational, take it with a grain of salt. The cards they hate may not be “the worst in the world”—unless, of course, it’s the infamous 7-2 offsuit.

#7. Does it Match up With Your Goals?

Everybody plays poker differently; some people like to be passive, others lean loose, while some go straight-up aggressive. When evaluating advice, ask yourself: Does it align with your own poker goals? If you’re focused on tournament play, tips from a cash-game grinder might not be your best bet. Always consider whether the guidance fits your skill level, playstyle, and overall strategy.

#8. Trust Your Instincts 

At the end of the day, poker is as much about instincts as strategy. If advice doesn’t sit right or feels like a bluff, trust your gut and move on. Everyone loves to share opinions in this age of information overload—but not all opinions are worth following.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to sift through the noise, dodge the duds, and elevate your poker game. The next time someone tries to “help,” you’ll know if it’s worth taking to heart—or folding entirely.