Mistake #1: Playing Too High For Your Bankroll
This is the most expensive beginner mistake.
When you play stakes that are too big:
- you feel fear
- you make passive, bad folds
- you chase losses
- you tilt faster
Fix:
- separate poker money from life money
- play stakes where losing a buy-in doesn’t hurt emotionally
- use conservative buy-in rules
If you need the exact framework, revisit How To Manage Your Online Poker Bankroll.
Mistake #2: Calling Too Much Preflop
Beginners love to “see flops.”
But calling preflop creates problems:
- you play pots out of position
- you enter with weak ranges
- you face pressure without initiative
- you lose small amounts constantly
Fix:
- fold more
- raise with your playable hands
- avoid limp-calling as a default
A simple mindset:
- You don’t need to play every hand. You need to play profitable hands.
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips.. This article covers the most common beginner mistakes in online poker and the simplest fixes that actually work.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Position
Position is a quiet cheat code in poker. Acting last gives you more information and more control.
Beginner leak:
- playing the same hands from early position as they do on the button
Fix:
- tighten up early
- loosen up late
- avoid marginal hands out of position
Mistake #4: Auto C-Betting Every Flop
Many new players learn “raise preflop, c-bet flop” and turn it into autopilot.
That burns money when:
- the board hits the caller’s range
- you’re bluffing into calling stations
- you have no plan for turn cards
Fix:
- ask “what am I trying to accomplish?”
- c-bet more on dry boards
- check more on wet boards unless you have value or equity
If you want the full c-bet framework, revisit Understanding Continuation Bets And When To Use Them.
Mistake #5: Chasing Draws Without The Right Price
Calling “because you might hit” is the draw version of autopilot.
Fix:
- count outs
- use Rule of 2 and 4
- compare equity to pot odds
- be cautious with dirty outs
Mistake #6: Bluffing The Wrong People
Beginners often bluff because they feel like they should, not because the opponent can fold.
The worst targets:
- calling stations
- multiway pots
- players who “never believe you”
Fix:
- bluff less against loose-passive players
- value bet more against them instead
- bluff more against tight players who overfold
If you need a simple discipline guide, revisit Bluffing In Online Poker: Timing, Frequency & Risk.
Mistake #7: Playing Too Many Tables Too Soon
Multi-tabling is great, but only after you can play one table calmly.
Fix:
- start with one table
- add a second only when decision quality stays stable
- drop back down if you notice autopilot
More hands per hour doesn’t help if you’re making worse decisions faster.
Mistake #8: Not Taking Notes (Or Not Reviewing Hands)
Online poker rewards players who learn. If you don’t review, you repeat the same mistakes forever.
Fix:
- write quick notes tied to showdowns (“big river bet = value”)
- mark hands you were unsure about
- review a few hands after each session
Even 10 minutes of review beats “just playing more.”
Mistake #9: Bad Table Selection
Many beginners sit wherever there’s a seat. Strong players choose games.
Fix:
- look for tables with more limp-calling and less 3-betting
- avoid tables full of aggressive regulars when learning
- leave when the table gets tough
You don’t need to “prove yourself.” You need to put yourself in good situations.
Mistake #10: Tilt And Emotional Poker
Tilt is when emotions override strategy. Online poker makes tilt easier because:
- you can reload instantly
- you can jump into another table instantly
- you can chase losses without thinking
Fix:
- set a stop-loss (2–3 buy-ins)
- set a time limit
- take a break after a big loss
- quit sessions when you’re not thinking clearly
Tilt doesn’t just lose money. It destroys your learning.
Mistake #11: Trying To “Win The Session” Instead Of Playing Well
Beginners judge themselves by:
- today’s result
Strong players judge themselves by:
- decision quality
Fix:
- focus on making the best choice, not winning the hand
- track sessions weekly, not emotionally in the moment
- accept variance as part of poker
Quick Takeaways
- Most beginner losses come from repeatable leaks, not bad luck
- Bankroll discipline prevents fear and tilt
- Calling too much and ignoring position are silent bankroll killers
- Don’t auto c-bet; use board texture and opponent type
- Don’t chase draws without pot odds
- Bluff less vs callers, more vs overfolders
- Review hands and take notes to improve faster
Mini FAQ
What’s The Fastest Leak To Fix?
Calling too much preflop and playing out of position. Tighten up and raise stronger hands.
Why Do I Feel Like Online Poker Is Harder Than Live?
More hands per hour means you see more swings and get punished faster for small mistakes.
How Many Sessions Until I Improve?
It depends, but consistent review and bankroll discipline usually creates noticeable improvement faster than “just playing more.”
Where To Go Next
You’ve now seen the biggest beginner mistakes—and the fixes that stop you from bleeding chips in small, constant ways.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to learn expected value (EV), because EV is the “truth meter” behind every good poker decision. Once you understand EV, you stop chasing feelings and start choosing profitable actions.
Continue with Understanding Expected Value (EV) In Poker Moves.
