Five mistakes every new poker player makes

Everybody starts somewhere. These five habits cost new players the most chips, and each one is easy to fix.

1. Playing too many hands

Two random cards look exciting, but most of them lose. Start with strong hands, and play more of them only from the button and the cutoff, where you act last.

2. Calling instead of betting

Calling only wins when you have the best hand at the showdown. Betting also wins when everyone else folds. With a good hand, bet; facing a bet with a weak one, usually fold.

3. Chasing every draw

A flush draw on the flop comes in about one time in three by the river. If a call costs more than the pot gives you back, let it go. The beginner's guide has a table of the common draws.

4. Ignoring position

The later you act, the more you know. The same hand can be a raise on the button and a fold under the gun.

5. Playing on tilt

Everybody loses hands they should win. Judge your decisions, not the results, and take a break when a bad beat still stings.

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