The 5 most common Poker mistakes beginners make
and how to avoid them
By: Sergio | Updated: Feb 7, 2026 | Reading Time: 4 min | Category: Poker Strategy
Poker is easy to learn but takes a lifetime to master. For beginners, the learning curve often involves losing chips to avoidable errors. If you want to stay in the game longer and enjoy the strategic side of poker, avoiding these five common pitfalls is the best place to start.
1. Playing Too Many Hands (Lack of Patience)
The biggest mistake new players make is feeling the need to be involved in every pot. They play weak starting hands like Jack-5 or King-3 out of boredom.
The Fix: Be selective. In a standard game, you should only be playing about 20-25% of the hands dealt to you. Discipline is your strongest weapon.
2. Letting Emotions Take the Lead (The "Tilt")
A "bad beat" (losing with a strong hand) is part of the game. Beginners often get angry and try to "win back" their money immediately by playing aggressively and recklessly. This is called "tilt."
The Fix: Recognize when you are frustrated. If you feel your emotions taking over, stand up and take a break. Poker is a game of logic, not revenge.
3. Ignoring Table Position
In poker, where you sit relative to the dealer matters as much as your cards. Beginners often ignore that acting last gives you the most information about your opponents.
The Fix: Play tighter in early positions and be more adventurous when you are one of the last to act. Information is power.
4. Betting Too Small (Giving Free Cards)
When beginners have a good hand, they often make tiny bets because they are afraid of scaring others away. This allows opponents to stay in the game cheaply and potentially hit a better hand on the next card.
The Fix: If you have a strong hand, bet enough to protect it. Make your opponents pay to see the next card.
5. Playing Above Your Budget
Sitting at a table where the stakes are too high makes you play "scared money." You will be too afraid to make the right strategic moves because you are worried about the cost.
The Fix: Always play at stakes where a loss won't affect your daily life. This keeps the game fun and your decisions sharp.
Play Responsibly
At Fortune Players, we want you to enjoy the thrill of the game safely. Poker is a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed way to make money. To keep your experience positive:
Set a limit: Decide on a budget before you start.
Don't chase losses: If it is not your day, walk away.
Balance is key: Poker should never interfere with your personal or financial responsibilities.