4 Expensive Texas Hold'em Mistakes You're Unknowingly Making That Are Killing Your Profits

4 Expensive Texas Hold'em Mistakes You're Unknowingly Making That Are Killing Your Profits
We all make mistakes when we play Texas holdem. The difference between the consistent winners and the poor losers is NOT just recognizing mistakes, but more importantly, actually fixing them.
Recognize your mistakes, and fix them IMMEDIATELY, or face the wrath of generously donating your hard earned money to your opponents.
MISTAKE #1: You Get Too Emotional
Emotional control is a large part of Holdem. You've got to be able to "let go" and become unattached from the final result of the game.
The reason emotions run strong in Holdem is because you're combining money, ego and chance all together. It's definitely a formula for some potent emotions.
The key is to expect beforehand that things will get trying and intense. Expect that you're going to get "rivered" and "sucked out". The reason it's important is because if you let go of your logic and begin playing based on emotion, you'll never, EVER win.
Avoid tilt at all costs. It causes more Texas Holdem players to go broke than any other phenomenon. Stay in control of yourself and be "unattached" to the game. Don't let anything affect you... just remain centered on winning. Period.
MISTAKE #2: You're Playing The Wrong Stakes
The stakes you play is what determines the skill level you play against. If you're outmatched, nothing else matters... because in the end you're going to lose. However, if you're far better than everyone at your current level, then maybe it's time to "step it up a notch". Playing the right stakes is a delicate balance.
I've determined the most effective way to find out the right stakes is to calculate your profit per hour over time. The difference in your "profit per hour" at a $5 Sit and Go versus a $10 Sit and Go can be striking. But you may get stomped at the $20 Sit and Go... and lose your bankroll in a hurry.
Here's an important  you try to move up in stakes, don't be afraid to move back down if it isn't working. The action plan I advocate is build your bankroll where you know you can win... then move up.
If you lose your bankroll, move back down and build it up again. Then move up in stakes and try it once again. Repeat this action again and again and you'll be continually improving... moving up to bigger games and more money. This method also lowers your risk. Follow those steps and you won't be gambling with next month's rent.
MISTAKE #3: You Think You Have "Natural" Texas Holdem Abilities
It's amazing how often I hear someone say, "I'm a natural Holdem player..." Exactly what IS a "natural" Texas Holdem player anyway?
The truth is, poker is a highly complex and multi-faceted game. It requires math, psychology, body language skills, willpower, performing under pressure, and a ton of other things. The problem with believing you're a "natural"-- just because you're good at reading people's faces or something-- is that it restricts your ability to improve.
Regardless of how good you are at Holdem, there's ALWAYS room for improvement. And in each respective aspect of the game, there's ALWAYS more to learn.
Not only that, but Texas Holdem has been around for a LONG time... way before it started appearing on every TV station. A lot of poker strategy has been developed. There are step-by-step techniques, tricks, and "plays" that you can employ to profit more at the tables.
These strategies won't just "come to you" like a little light bulb over your head. Not a chance. Instead, you've got to study the game, talk to other players, and be perpetually learning more in order to push yourself to the next level.
MISTAKE #4: You're Too Predictable
Just as you should be studying your opponents, your opponents should be studying you.
The biggest error you can make is become predictable. When you're predictable, you can't win at poker. That's because every time you get good cards, everyone will fold. And every time you get bad cards, everyone will bet.
The key is to be aware of your own betting patterns and styles. Bet strong hands a certain way for a while... then mix it up a little. Do wild things... bet odd amounts... make the same pre-flop raise for both 8-7 suited and pocket 10's. If people think you're playing tight, bluff and then show it. Whatever. Mix it up and stamp out any consistencies that appear in your game.