Much like many other games of skill, it can take years before someone becomes truly adept at playing Texas Hold’em poker.
Professional players spend hours on end honing their craft, which provides them with the perfect platform to compete at the highest level.
While that may sound daunting to rookie players, it is feasible to quickly pick up some tips and techniques that will help you climb the ranks.
We take a closer look at some of the rookie mistakes to avoid if you want to improve your chances of winning at Texas Hold’em poker.
Learn the Hand Rankings
To be successful at poker it is imperative that you memorize the order of the hand rankings from top to bottom.
Many rookie players make the mistake of thinking that a Straight beats at Flush or Two Pair beats Three-of-a-kind, and this can be extremely costly.
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four-of-a-Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three-of-a-Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card – learning this should be your first priority.
Understand how Position Works
Rookie players often fail to grasp the importance of table position. This element is dictated by your proximity to the blinds during each hand.
The players closest to the blinds and the dealer are in a late position and have the advantage of watching the rest of the table act before them.
Using your table position wisely will help you become a better poker player. Failing to grasp this concept will leave your bankroll in tatters.
Don’t Limp into Hands
Many rookie players think that it is clever to limp into a hand. This is when a player merely calls rather than raising the pot.
In this scenario, you are putting no pressure on the other players. The message you are sending is that you need help on the flop to improve your hand.
If you are not confident enough in your starting hand to make a raise, fold your cards. Continually limping into pots will eat into your chip stack.
Know When to Hold’em & Know When to Fold’em
‘You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away and know when to run’. Wise words there from Kenny Rogers’ song The Gambler.
Television broadcasts have glamourized Texas Hold’em, making it appear as if the players are involved in the majority of pots.
However, in poker, you will spend most of your time folding hands. It is also not advisable not to get too attached to premium starting hands. If the flop has been unkind, fold’em!
