Texas Hold’em has exploded on the scene in recent years, becoming one of the most popular games to play and watch.  Along with this growing popularity is the growing number of people who have decided that they have to get in on the action too.  Texas Hold’em is not an easy game to master, no matter how easy the pros make it look.  Here are some common mistakes made by beginners:

1. Being too eager  – Beginners at the game of Texas Hold’em Poker want to play – they want to be in on the action.  For this reason, many of them will play every hand, no matter what hole cards they are dealt.  Every once in a while this will work, but for the most part it’s a bad idea.  Watch the pros play; you’ll see that they fold as much as they play, especially before the flop.  Patience and self-control go a long way in the game of Texas Hold’em.  

2. Counting too much on the river card – It’s always exciting to watch a game of Texas Hold’em and see a player experience a bad beat because someone else got lucky with the river card.  Remember, one of the reasons that it is so exciting is because it doesn’t happen very often.  If you are consistently betting on the river card to give you the hand that you need to win, you’ll be out of the game in no time.

3. Going all-in too often – There are times when going all-in is a good idea; like when you are down so far that you know it’s either all or nothing, or when you have an ace-high full house and someone else is playing aggressively. Some beginners, however, like to go all-in way too often, especially before the flop. Not only is this a good way to lose, but also other more experienced players will see you for who you are, and will find taking your money an easy task.

4. Not studying opponents – Texas Hold’em is as much a game of strategy as it is a game of luck.  Part of that strategy is getting to know your opponents. Many beginners concentrate so much on their cards that they don’t take the time to study how the others are playing.  Take a clue from the experienced players at your table, because they will definitely be studying you.

5. Playing before knowing all the rules – Nothing frustrates other players more than someone who continually asks questions because he or she hasn’t taken the time to learn the game.  The occasional question is fine, but you should do your best to know at least the basics of Texas Hold’em Poker, along with all the terms used for various hands and situations.  Other players aren’t in the game to help you learn, they are there to win.