If you're just starting out playing poker, then you've got your work cut out for you. Most beginners come on board thinking that playing poker is easy work, or easy money. But truth be told, it's not. You should not approach this thinking it will be a slice of cake. You've got much to learn and will probably make many mistakes early on. To help avoid those costly mistakes, here is a list of three tips the most beginning poker players will find helpful.
Don't attempt to grow your bankroll overnight - I've tried to grow my bankroll overnight, and failed miserably. I actually wiped out my entire bankroll as a result. You have to pace yourself. Money is made in the long run, not overnight.
If you're not patient enough to ride out the ups and downs of poker, you risk playing hands you probably shouldn't be playing -- which will put you in a lot tougher situations. Another problem with this is people who are trying to climb the stakes too fast tend to chase their loses, which usually a results in even bigger loses. So don't do it.
Avoid playing while tired - You may think you're playing your best game. But you'll quickly notice it's not the case -- as your sessions drop from green to red. Poker is a mind game. Under mild or sever fatigue, you mind can't work to its full potential. It takes a lot of brain power to play poker. You must always have you're undivided attention aimed at the game.
Playing tired also runs you the risk of easily going on tilt when a hand doesn't go your way. You should avoid playing for long hours with no break, as this will quickly drain your energy and make it impossible to focus.
Don't forget to have fun! - When you're winning, poker will be fun -- you will love it -- And you just can't get enough. But the second you started losing, all the fun just evaporates as you curse at the computer monitor as if it was the reason for your lost pot. Poker should be fun even when the chips are down. Losing is part of the game. If you get angry (go on tilt) when you lost a hand, that makes it very difficult to look at that hand from an angle where you can learn from. Try to forget about the money, and just have fun.
Dutifully follow these tips. Your hard work will pay off. Poker is a game that takes a lifetime to master. Your entire poker career will be a learning experience. You'll be reaping the benefits before you know it.