Poker can be a thrilling game of strategy and patience. But even seasoned players make errors that can cost them their chips. Alex Fitzgerald, a renowned poker player and coach, lays out the most frequent mistakes that beginners (and even veterans) fall into. The best part? Fixing these missteps isn’t as complicated as it might seem.
Falling for the Flop Temptation
Ever get bored of folding hand after hand? It’s tempting to call just to see a flop, especially if you’re on a losing streak or just itching to play. After all, it feels like poker should involve action, not sitting back watching others rake in pots.
Here’s the problem: calling to “see what happens” is a quick way to leak chips. Fitzgerald stresses that the cornerstone of poker success is aggressive and calculated play. Passive calls and limps rarely lead to winning strategies. When you enter a pot, you should have a solid reason—whether it’s a calculated raise or a three-bet.
- Instead of chasing flops, wait for premium hands or strong positions to make your move.
- Focus on winning money, not pots.
The Dangerous Habit of Overcalling River Bets
One of the biggest pitfalls in poker? Overestimating your chances at the river. Beginners (and sometimes experienced players) tend to call too often when faced with a big bet, hoping to catch a bluff.
Fitzgerald points out that most players—especially at lower stakes—don’t bluff enough on the river. When an opponent makes a significant bet, it’s usually because they’ve hit something solid. While folding can feel like giving up, it’s often the smartest move.
Ask yourself: Is my opponent really bluffing? Or is it more likely they’ve got the goods? If you’re up against a recreational player or someone who rarely bluffs, folding could save you a fortune.
Raising to “Figure Things Out”
Imagine this: You’ve got pocket sevens, and the flop comes 10-5-2. Your opponent bets. You’re unsure where you stand, so you raise to “see if they have it.”
Sound familiar? Fitzgerald explains that this tactic is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Raising in this spot doesn’t accomplish much—it folds out weaker hands and gets stronger ones to call. Worse, it costs chips without providing meaningful information.
Instead, consider a more cautious approach. Calling allows you to control the pot size and see how your opponent plays the turn. If they slow down, your hand might be good.
Limping in Early Position: A Costly Mistake
Let’s set the scene: You’re in early position with 2-2 or a suited connector like 8-7. You don’t want to fold, but raising feels risky. So, you limp, hoping to see a cheap flop.
Bad move.
When you limp, you’re inviting players behind you to raise and isolate. That puts you in a tricky spot where you either fold or play a weak hand against a stronger range. Fitzgerald advises folding these marginal hands in early position.
Why? The math simply doesn’t favour small pairs or connectors when stacks are shallow. Save your chips for better opportunities later in the game.
Calling Too Many Reraises
Are you guilty of raising too wide and then calling three-bets with weak hands? If so, it’s time to tighten up.
Constantly calling reraises often means you’re playing with a “capped range”—a weak set of hands that stronger opponents can exploit. Fitzgerald recommends folding more often to aggressive players and raising a more selective range preflop.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: If you’re out of position against a skilled opponent, think twice before continuing in a reraised pot. It’s better to cut your losses than to battle uphill in a bad spot.
Quick Tips to Polish Your Game
To recap some of Fitzgerald’s key advice:
- Avoid seeing flops for the sake of action—play with purpose, not boredom.
- Be sceptical of river bluffs—most opponents won’t risk big bets without a strong hand.
- Stop raising “to find out”—every bet should have a clear goal, like bluffing out a better hand or extracting value.
- Don’t limp from early position—it’s a giveaway that your hand is weak.
- Think before calling reraises—consider your position, your opponent, and your range.
A Deeper Look at Poker Math: Example Table
| Mistake | Likely Outcome | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing too many flops | Bleeding chips on weak hands | Play tighter, raise with strength |
| Calling river bets | Losing chips to stronger hands | Fold unless the opponent bluffs a lot |
| Raising to “find out” | Wasting chips without gaining information | Control pot size with calls |
| Limping in early position | Getting isolated by stronger hands | Fold marginal hands |
| Calling too many reraises | Playing tough spots out of position | Tighten your opening range |
The Bottom Line
Fitzgerald’s advice isn’t just for novices—it’s a wake-up call for anyone looking to refine their game. Poker is a mental battle, and small adjustments can have a huge impact on your results. So, whether you’re at the cardroom or playing online, keep these strategies in mind. Your chips—and your confidence—will thank you.
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