What Beginner Poker Players Shouldn’t Do

There are certain poker rules that every player must abide by, regardless of the poker variation they are playing. Online poker is simpler to play when you’re a beginner because the rules are automatically enforced. For instance, you cannot wager while it is not your turn. However, if you are new to the game or playing live poker in person, there is a considerable probability that you will unintentionally break a rule, such as playing out of turn.

We’ve highlighted some of the most frequent errors beginner players make in poker along with some general poker advice to help poker novices avoid these unintentional errors.

1. Accidentally showing their cards when handling them

Make sure none of your opponents have a chance to view anything you could be holding. For example, if you raise your cards to examine them, you can unintentionally give another player a chance to see your cards. Or you can misplace them and show your cards to everyone else playing. Because of this, you’ll see that the majority of players slightly bend their cards up from the table so they can see just enough of them to see the suit and pip value. Some people would even slightly cup their hands around the card to hide it from curious eyes.

2. Disregarding the time when it is their turn

Even though waiting for your turn can be tedious, it’s crucial that you be prepared to participate when it finally comes. Don’t delay the game because you were preoccupied with your phone or another item. In a more formal situation, it’s considered bad poker etiquette, and if you do it frequently, you can face repercussions like being asked to quit the game.

3. Before it’s their turn, they advertise what they’ll do

It’s crucial to keep your plans a secret if you’re considering your options as other players are choosing their course of action. For instance, wait to divide your chips for the bet until it is your turn to play if you have a strong hand and intend to raise. Unplayed opponents could become aware of this and use it to their advantage to fold rather than add additional funds to the pot.

However, if your poker game improves and you begin to bluff more, you might also employ this tactic to spread false information among your other players. For instance, if you have a bad hand and want to intimidate the other players, you may start counting a big bet or act as if you’re about to fold so that they have to predict what you’re going to do.

4. They bet little amounts

When playing poker, you should count your chips and place them all at once over the betting line or in the betting area. String betting, which is not only frowned upon but also against the regulations in casinos and official poker venues, involves taking poker chips and placing them over the betting line or into the betting area in small amounts until you have finished betting.

String betting is viewed as an effort at angle shooting, or employing unethical behavior to outperform rivals. For instance, a player might place a portion of their wager to gauge the response of their rivals before placing the balance.

Avoid splitting your bet because many professionally managed poker games do not consider it to be a kind of bluffing, despite the opinion of some players. Just put it in all at once.

5. Not putting every chip on the table

All your chips must stay on the table while a game is ongoing until it is finished or you get up and leave. Yes, it is against the rules to even pick up a poker chip and play with it in your hands. If caught, you risk being kicked out of the game.

6. Not making a statement about their action so that everyone is aware of it

New players may just act in a certain way during a game, like raising, checking, or folding, without really saying it aloud. You can ensure that the game moves along fast and without hiccups by making your play known to everyone at the table.

7. They place their hole cards underneath their poker chip stacks

Putting your hole cards where they are most convenient to access may seem innocent enough, but if you do so off the table or behind your stacks of poker chips, you will either be told where to put them or asked to leave the game. This is due to the possibility of cheating by participants if cards are not always visible. Therefore, be sure to maintain your hole cards face down on the table and open to the dealer and the other players.

8. Even if they could soon require a break, extend a hand

As you can anticipate, it’s bad form to interfere with a game unnecessarily. Therefore, don’t join a hand and then “quickly” leave in the middle of it if you need to use the restroom, smoke, or take a food break. Instead, complete your tasks and return when you’re prepared to focus entirely on the game.

9. Concerned about their inexperience, yet…

Many players are worried about their lack of poker knowledge when they first sit down at an official poker table. You shouldn’t stress too much about your inexperience in poker as a beginning player. You’ll pick up the fundamentals with practice, and you’ll get better over time.

As a beginner, you should be aware that some players may probably try to take advantage of your ignorance in order to win a few hands quickly. Watch out for any card sharps (or “card sharks”) who might attempt to play the fool or even pose as your friend in order to gain the upper hand and take your money. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with several unwritten poker rules.