If you looked at your poker bankroll as a bucket, you would want to constantly be filling it with more chips after each playing session. In time, you would need a bigger bucket since the current bucket would eventually fill to the top. Unfortunately, most players never need a larger bucket because they can’t fill the one they have due to leaks. But if you’re able to plug these leaks in your game, you will no doubt become a better player as a result. Here is a quick look at some common mistakes to avoid in order to fix your leaks.
Calling when obviously behind
When you’re paying attention to a poker game, you can tell who the tight players are. With this knowledge in hand, you also know who not to call when holding a second rate hand. Even with this knowledge, many players will call a tight opponent anyways hoping this will be the time they’re bluffing. A great example of this often occurs when a player calls with a set, and the board shows an obvious flush opportunity. If the person you’re playing again is really tight, avoid throwing chips away unless you’re getting incredible odds.
Drawing for 2nd best hand
Another big leak in many players’ games is that they will draw for 2nd best hand. The most common scenario where this is seen is when someone is drawing for a straight on a board which also presents the chance for a flush. Not only is there the possibility that somebody else has a flush draw, but there could also be players drawing for a straight flush. If you’re not drawing for top hand, don’t draw!
Folding to Single Bets on the River
You should never make calls on the river just because you put money in the pot on the previous streets. However, if simple pot odds tell you that calling on the river would be profitable in the long run then do it. For instance, assume there was $24 in the pot, and you only needed to call a $3 bet for the showdown. Since your pot odds are 8:1, you only need to be right one out of eight times to make money. So the question to ask yourself in this instance would be….is your hand 87.5% capable of winning?
