In this article, we’ll share five essential tips from poker pro Phil Galfond on the most common mistakes players make. Phil Galfond is a professional poker player and the founder of Run It Once, a coaching site. With decades of experience in both online and live poker, Galfond frequently shares poker strategies on his YouTube channel for free.
1 – Not Thinking About Why You Make the Plays That You Make
Most players don’t think critically about the reasoning behind their decisions. They follow certain patterns, like using a preflop chart that suggests opening with A-J+ from a specific position. When they hit a jack on the flop, they automatically bet because they have top pair. But is that always the right move?
Every action in poker should have a purpose. Are you betting for value, hoping to be called by a worse hand? Or are you betting to force out a stronger hand? If you start thinking in these terms, you’ll improve your game significantly.
For example, imagine you flop the top pair with a jack and bet. Your opponent snap-shoves all-in. You assume you have the best hand and call, only to find out they had an overpair, crushing your jack. Thinking ahead about your opponent’s range and intent can help you avoid costly mistakes.
2 – Not Thinking About Why Your Opponent is Doing What They’re Doing
Similar to the first tip, this mistake stems from focusing too much on your own cards instead of the bigger picture. One of the biggest errors poker players make is failing to consider their opponents’ reasoning behind each action. Instead of just reacting to bets and raises, think deeply about what your opponent is trying to accomplish.
If a player is betting, ask yourself: What do they want to achieve with this bet? Over time, you’ll notice patterns—some players fear big pots with marginal hands, while others love bluffing aggressively. Understanding these motivations allows you to make better decisions, avoid costly blunders, and exploit weaknesses in their strategy. This analytical approach is what separates casual players from serious competitors.
3 – Making Decisions Purely Out of Emotion
Many poker players make decisions based on fear or comfort rather than logic. Emotional play leads to costly mistakes and poor judgment.
For example, casual players often overplay strong hands early because they’re afraid of scary turn cards. Instead, they should consider betting small or slow-playing based on board texture and action. Even though this strategy might sometimes result in losing a hand, in the long run, it extracts more value from opponents.
Rather than trying to scare opponents out of the hand, keep them in with weaker holdings to maximize your value and chip stack. Controlling emotions and making rational decisions is a key skill in poker.
4 – Ignoring Bankroll Management
If you’re serious about poker, bankroll management is crucial. While it’s fine to play casually, anyone looking to turn poker into a long-term endeavor needs a solid bankroll strategy. Even if you’re a favorite in the game, variance can hit hard, and having enough funds to withstand downswings is essential.
Poor bankroll management can lead to going broke even if you’re a skilled player. Set limits, play within your means, and treat your bankroll as an investment in your poker career.
5 – Caring Too Much About What Other Players Think
Many players worry about what others at the table will think of their play. They fear the embarrassment of getting caught bluffing on the river or making unconventional moves. However, caring too much about others’ opinions can be detrimental to your game.
If your opponents believe you’re a bad player, that’s actually an advantage! They’ll make more mistakes against you and be more willing to play pots with you, ultimately leading to more profit. There’s no benefit in having your opponents think you’re great—so embrace the advantage and focus on making the best plays rather than worrying about how you look at the table.
By avoiding these five common mistakes and adopting a more strategic mindset, you can drastically improve your poker skills and long-term results.
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