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Psychology of Online Poker: Top Mistakes

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Do you agree that poker is risky but fun? Overcoming the opponents is the primary player’s task. If you’ve already learned all the rules, it’s time for a level-up. Mistakes and losses are inevitable in gambling, but we all would like to make them as little as possible. This applies to games in both land-based and virtual casinos.

Improper bankroll management at online poker

“The game is so exciting, what will happen if I spend an extra few dollars?” We are confident every casino lover had such a thought when gaming. And it’s the most common mistake! In no case should you ignore bankroll management, as this can lead to huge losses. 

At first, you are willing to risk an extra $5; in the future, you may lose your entire fortune. Poker is a tricky game despite its appeal, and even experienced players are not immune from failure.

Tracking the bankroll is the first must-have rule when playing online poker for real money. By the way, it also applies to offline casinos. The ability to leave the poker table in time is the key, so never forget about it. 

Ignoring learning of real money poker Rules

We all would like to start playing poker and profiting from it as soon as possible. Therefore many gamblers prefer to play poker for real money at reputable online casinos. However, learning is an important step on the way to success. During the establishment of online poker, experienced players recommended spending 1 hour educating and 4 hours gambling. 

Now, experts recommend dividing the time equally: 50% for theory and 50% for practice. It depends on the gambler themselves: some can quickly implement the knowledge, while others need more time to understand everything.

Tilt and emotions while playing poker

People react to events in different ways: some will calmly accept the loss, while others will sharply become aggressive and inattentive. No wonder they say that a poker player does not change facial expressions. Keeping a cold mind is essential for every gambler. 

Note that you must always make informed decisions and not be influenced by emotions. Behaving aggressively is a common mistake, which can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Fancy play syndrome

FPS has been introduced long ago, but this syndrome is still relevant now. It implies a situation when a person misjudges their opponent at the beginning of the game. Imagine a first player has lucky cards and significant winning opportunities. At the same time, their opponent has worse cards but bluffs and wins. 

That is why it is crucial to be careful with your strategies, think them over well, and attentively follow your rivals’ steps.

Inappropriate poker bet size

Poker has no limits for bets and the overall bankroll. Sometimes there’s the necessity to increase the bet size to win the game. However, it’s critical to consider many factors like the poker toolkit and others. Newcomers usually make the following mistakes:

  • Increasing the bet too much
  • Wrong bet size with a weak hand
  • Missed betting opportunities after the flop

And again, poker education will help you avoid these pitfalls. Experienced players recommend trying poker in a demo mode first. This option allows you to think over your strategy and explore the possible game outcomes without investments. No risk and lots of practice are exactly what every gambler needs to get more mastery.

Lack of concentration on every little detail

This point often leads to significant losses. The inability to quickly analyse everything happening at the poker table will hardly make you a successful poker player. A 100% concentration will become your loyal assistant. Grab some tips to avoid this mistake:

  • Accessing the cards your opponents may have
  • Analysing the possible combination that can be gathered
  • Quickly evaluating each rival’s action
  • Considering the bankroll and each separate bet

Losing focus can cost you your bankroll. So, never let your guard down. It especially concerns situations when a player has already won during the previous round and feels like they are the lucky one.

Mistakes are inevitable, but keep an eye on details

Practice is everything, which is especially true when talking about poker. It’s impossible to avoid mistakes and losses in gambling, but it’s not difficult to minimise them. Moreover, it is vital to distinguish recreational poker from professional poker, as both of them have some peculiarities. Follow the experts’ advice and play in a demo mode first to get more experience and think over the strategies.


Jordan Wayne, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.

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© Copyright 2014–2023 Psychreg Ltd