Starting out in online poker is exciting, but it’s also easy to fall into some common traps. Every player makes mistakes in the beginning. That’s part of the learning curve. The good news is, most of these mistakes are predictable and fixable. Recognizing them early can save you a lot of frustration and money.
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<h2>1. Playing Too Many Hands</h2>
One of the biggest beginner errors is jumping into every hand. It’s understandable &#8211; poker is fun, and folding feels boring. But not all hands are worth playing. Good players are selective. They fold a lot, especially in early position, and wait for strong starting hands. Playing fewer hands with better cards gives you a much better chance to win when you do get involved.
Avoid this mistake by:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Learning basic <a href="/best-online-poker-sites/starting-hands/">starting hand charts</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Folding more hands in early position</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Focusing on quality over quantity</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. Overvaluing Mediocre Hands</h2>
Hands like top pair with a weak kicker or middle pair can get new players into trouble. These hands look decent but can be crushed by better ones. Without reading the board carefully or paying attention to betting patterns, it’s easy to call big bets with a hand that’s already beat. Learn to recognize when your hand isn’t as strong as it seems.
<h2>3. Ignoring Position</h2>
Position is one of the most important and most overlooked parts of poker strategy. Acting later in the hand gives you more information and control. Beginners often don’t adjust their hand selection based on where they’re seated at the table. As a general rule, play tighter from an early position and loosen up as you get closer to the dealer button.
Benefits of good position:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">You see how opponents act before you</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">You control the size of the pot more easily</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">You can bluff more effectively</li>
</ul>
<h2>4. Bluffing Too Much (or Not at All)</h2>
Some players bluff constantly, thinking it’s what poker is all about. Others never bluff because they’re afraid it won’t work. The truth is, bluffing should be used selectively and with purpose. Don’t bluff just for the sake of it. Bluff when your opponent is likely to fold and the story you’re telling makes sense. And don’t be afraid to fold if you’re being called too often.
<h2>5. Chasing Losses and Playing on Tilt</h2>
Everyone takes bad beats &#8211; even professionals. But letting emotions take over is one of the fastest ways to lose your bankroll. If you find yourself calling or raising just to “get even,” it’s time to take a break. Playing angry or frustrated (known as tilt) leads to poor decisions. Walk away, reset, and come back when you’re thinking clearly.
Signs you might be on tilt:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Playing more aggressively after a bad beat</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ignoring strategy and chasing every pot</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or angry</li>
</ul>
<h2>6. Poor Bankroll Management</h2>
A solid bankroll strategy helps you ride out the natural ups and downs of poker. New players often play at stakes that are too high for their budget, risking too much on a single session. Stick to tables where your buy-in is a small percentage of your overall bankroll. That way, one bad session won’t wipe you out.
<h2>7. Multi-Tabling Too Soon</h2>
Watching experienced players grind four or more tables at once might look impressive, but it’s not the best move when you’re still learning. Playing multiple tables spreads your focus thin and can lead to rushed or careless decisions. Start with one table until you’re comfortable making solid decisions quickly and consistently.
<h2>8. Misreading Bet Sizes and Pot Odds</h2>
New players often don’t pay attention to how much they or their opponents are betting. Bet sizing tells a story. A big bet might mean strength, or it could be a bluff. Learning to recognize what different bet sizes represent, and how to calculate your pot odds, helps you decide whether a call is worth it.
To improve this skill:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Watch how opponents size their bets</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Practice calculating pot odds quickly</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t auto-call large bets without thinking</li>
</ul>
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
Every poker player has made these mistakes at some point. The key is not avoiding them perfectly. It’s noticing them, learning from them, and improving. Start tracking your sessions, review hands where you felt unsure, and stay curious. As your experience grows, these common pitfalls will turn into learning milestones.
Take your time, play smart, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Poker rewards patience, discipline, and good decision-making over the long run.

Chris is a New Jersey-based Managing Editor who has lots of experience covering the legal gambling industry across the United States. During his time with Bleacher Report and Catena Media, he's helped report on a wide range of topics including sports betting, online casinos, and the lottery for many various states.

Since 2018, Chris has examined gambling legislation in all three of these areas. The Rutgers University graduate is a huge sports fanatic who enjoys placing a wager on a bunch of different leagues.

The Most Common Mistakes New Online Poker Players Make (and How to Avoid Them)