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Three Biggest Mistakes Putting Your Poker Profits at Risk

The Three Biggest Mistakes Poker Players Make That Cost Them Profits

Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and discipline—but even skilled players make costly mistakes that eat into their profits. Below are three primary mistakes that separate losing or break-even players from truly profitable ones, along with insights on how to correct them.


1. Playing Too Many Hands (Lack of Discipline in Hand Selection)

Why This Is a Problem

Many players, especially at lower stakes, play too many hands preflop. They convince themselves that any two cards can win, but the reality is that marginal hands lead to tough postflop decisions and long-term losses.

How This Costs You Money

  • Weak starting hands lead to tricky spots—you’ll often hit second-best hands that get dominated.
  • You’ll be forced into difficult postflop decisions, increasing the likelihood of costly mistakes.
  • Aggressive opponents will exploit you, putting pressure on your weak range.

How to Fix It

Tighten your starting hand selection—avoid calling with speculative hands out of position.
Play a solid, well-structured range based on your position at the table.
Understand the importance of position—hands like suited connectors or small pairs become much more profitable when played in position.


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2. Poor Bet Sizing (Not Maximizing Value or Bluffing Effectively)

Why This Is a Problem

Bet sizing is one of the biggest leaks in most players’ games. Whether it’s betting too small with strong hands, or bluffing too big in the wrong spots, poor bet sizing reduces your ability to extract value and apply pressure.

How This Costs You Money

  • Betting too small with strong hands allows opponents to draw cheaply and improve.
  • Bluffing with inappropriate bet sizes makes your bluffs too obvious or too expensive.
  • Not adjusting your bet sizing for board texture can make your range too predictable.

How to Fix It

Size your bets based on the pot size, board texture, and opponent tendencies—avoid static bet sizes.
Bet big when you have value and need protection, and use smaller bets in dry board situations to keep weaker hands in.
Balance your bluffs—your bluffs should look similar in size to your value bets.


3. Calling Too Much Instead of Raising or Folding (Fear of Aggression)

Why This Is a Problem

Many losing players call way too often, hoping to see what happens next instead of taking control of the hand or letting go. This leads to passive play that is easily exploited by stronger, more aggressive players.

How This Costs You Money

  • Calling too much means you’re always on the defensive—instead of controlling the pot, you’re reacting to opponents.
  • Calling down too light vs. strong players means you’re constantly paying off their big hands.
  • Failing to raise enough allows opponents to dictate the action, making you easy to read.

How to Fix It

Develop a strong raising strategy—don’t just call when you could apply pressure with a raise.
Fold more often in marginal spots—if your hand isn’t strong enough to raise, it’s often not strong enough to call either.
Learn to balance aggression—incorporate well-timed bluffs and semi-bluffs to make you harder to exploit.


Final Thoughts: Plug These Leaks, See Your Profits Grow

Poker is about minimizing mistakes and maximizing value from opponents’ mistakes. If you can fix these three common leaksplaying too many hands, poor bet sizing, and calling too much—you will see a major increase in long-term profits.

🔹 Discipline in hand selection leads to better postflop spots.
🔹 Correct bet sizing ensures maximum value and effective bluffs.
🔹 Balanced aggression makes you harder to read and tougher to exploit.

If you want to turn a profit in poker, start plugging these leaks today! 🚀♠️