There are many ways a poker player can lose his money but for now we will deal with  5 of the biggest mistakes a beginning poker player can make. We watch poker games on television and see people making millions of dollars.  Is it really that easy?  Very few rookies or beginners win in these events and most of the time you will spot the following flaws in their games.

1. Drinking While Playing

   Alcohol inhibits your playing ability and you need your wits about you when making plays.  This is why the casinos offer free drinks while playing.  It helps add to the house odds. You need a clear head to make good decisions at the tables!

2. No Patience

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   You have to learn to wait for the good cards to come to you. Beginners will not wait on the cards and will play hands where the odds are definitely against them.  When watching the TV shows you will notice that the cameras go from table to table looking for plays.  Good players go long stretches without playing a hand.

3. Playing with Scared Money

   You can’t make good decisions if you worry about losing money that is supposed to pay the rent. You must set a budget and play within its limits. That way you can concentrate on the game and not the financial woes if you lose.

4. Overbluffing

   Good players will catch onto you real quickly and set you up for a big fall. Beginning players think they can throw big bucks down and run players away but it just doesn’t happen. Use the bluff strategically and you will win some big hands….use it too much and it will ruin you!

5. Playing in Experienced Games

   Beginners will play in games where they can’t handle the competition. Instead of playing in smaller limit games with opponents of their own skill level, they jump in against the pros. Well, you know what happens then!

Curb some of these tendencies and it will help you keep your money and some of your opponents money!