Some Dos and Don’ts of Poker
Do be patient. Wait for a good hand and resist the urge to play with any two cards, just so you can be playing. Winning poker players are very selective about the hands they play, folding hand after hand until they are dealt a strong starting hand.
Do keep a close eye on your money. Most winning poker players are also good money managers. If you only have $100 to play with, don’t sit down at a table where it will only last for 10 hands. Adjust the stakes you play based on your bankroll, not based on how much money you dream of winning.
Do have fun. Play because poker is fun and you enjoy it. If you find yourself playing just to get back money you’ve lost, it’s probably time to take a break or find a new hobby.
Do understand the nature of variance. Poker is a game of streaks. Don’t think you’re the king of the poker world just because you have a great month, because you could just as easily follow it up with a terrible month, even if you’re playing perfect poker strategy. Poker is very much a game of skill but the luck of the cards can always cause big streaks in both directions, good and bad.
Don’t play with money you can’t afford to lose. Poker is a game of skill but there’s also a large amount of luck and chance involved. Even the best players lose sometimes, no matter how well they play.
Don’t play if you’re angry, upset, or depressed. You need to concentrate if you hope to play poker well and all of those feelings break your concentration.
Don’t play to punish one opponent. It’s natural to get mad at certain players, especially ones that play badly against you but get lucky and win a huge pot. Once you make the mistake of focusing on beating one player, you stop playing good poker and start making bad decisions. Stick to your game and you’ll likely get your money back.
Don’t ignore your life to play poker. Poker will always be there. Spend time with your family and friends. Exercise. Don’t sit there for hour after hour after hour, playing poker, when there are much better things in the world to be doing.
