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Beginner’s Common Mistakes, Part 4
The number of mistakes that cost newbies money is
amazing, but here are a few more than can help you save your bank roll
to live another day, or to even thrive by taking advantage of your
opponents’ weaknesses.
Mistake #1: Playing a good pre-flop hand after
missing the flop.
A-K is great pre-flop, but if the flop has three
suited cards (none of which are yours), a face card, or a pair, your A-K
is all but worthless. Way too many times after not only missing
completely, but also having a flop that gives huge hands to other
players, a newbie will go all in after missing. This doesn’t make any
sense since all the players that would call are all the players that
have you badly beaten.
Mistake #2: Playing with a 2 color deck online
On most internet web sites now you have the option
of playing with a 4 colored deck. Always do this! If you don’t, it is
only a matter of time until you mistakenly think you have a flush when
you don’t. Four suits make it easy to see if you do or don’t, and make
it easier to identify when someone else might have a flush on a board
(ever have that third card sneak up on you on the river because you’re
looking at something else? Most of us have). If you think you have a
flush and don’t, often times you lose the most money because you bet the
house with rags. There is no excuse for a stupid mistake like this when
you can easily see a green club versus a black spade.
Mistake #3: A-K all in
A-K is a strong hand, but many players go all in
pre-flop with it. Why? While it will beat a pocket pair about half of
the time, it is actually an underdog, only a 56% favorite over a pocket
pair, and if someone calls with A-A or K-K, you can kiss that pot good
bye. A-K is a good hand to limp in with early and see what hits. At a
short handed table this hand is much stronger, but you need to play it
according to position and situation. This is not an automatic all in
hand.
Mistake #4: I’ll raise with any ace suited.
Some players will call or raise anything with ace
suited. Why? A-3 suited in spades is a huge underdog to any A-face
card, even if they are unsuited. While it is better to be suited than
not, unless you hit the flush that is a trap hand.
Keep this tips in mind to improve your game, and
good luck. |
