Suprisingly, more than 80% of people who play online poker will end up losing money. Some are simply not cut out for the game, there are also a wide number of reasons why (otherwise good players) end up broke.
This article looks at a range of important factors which lead to players losing their poker bankroll, this includes both card-specific and non-card poker skills.
Reason #1 - Lack Of Bankroll Management
Over time poker is a game of skill, however in any one session the chance fall of cards will lead to big swings of fortune. This is known as 'variance', and affects all players at some point. In order to combat the effect of the short-term swings, professional poker players use 'bankroll management' strategy. This involves playing with only a small percentage (say 5%) of your total poker bankroll on any one table - allowing you to better withstand short term swings.
Reason #2 - Playing Too Many Easily Dominated Hands
Domination in Texas Holdem poker occurs when your hand has a 30% of lower chance of winning the pot before the flop is dealt. The most common example is with hands containing one ace and another card. For example if you hold Ace-8 and your opponent Ace-King then you are 'dominated' - needing to hit one of the 3 remaining 8's in the deck to win. Likewise and Ace-9 against a pair of jacks is dominated - your only chance to win is to pair one of the remaining 3 aces. Finally small pairs are often dominated by larger pairs in this form of poker.
The reason people lose money playing hands such as an ace with another small card is that you will only find out whether you are ahead after parting with money. For example if you hold Ace-8 and pair the ace on the flop you do not know whether your opponent has a higher side card. If instead you pair the 8 then there is still a risk that your opponent has a higher pair.
Reason #3 - Table And Site Selection
When it comes to the skills and experience level opponents, all online sites are not equal. Taking the time to locate the 'fishiest' sites for your preferred poker game and geographical location can easily lead to higher profits over time. Likewise you should not sit down at the first available table. Taking some time to watch the tables to find out where the least experienced opposition are located can easily turn a losing session into a winning one.
Reason #4 - Calling Too Often
Winning at poker requires a positive and aggressive style of play. The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly if you do not raise and bet then you will not give your opponents an opportunity to fold their hands. Secondly, if you wait for 'monster hands' before betting and raising then observant opponents will spot this - and refuse to pay you off. Aggression with marginal hands and bluffs thus disguises those times when you have a strong holding.
Reason #5 - Tilt
Though 'angry' tilt following a bad-beat is the most common form of tilt in poker - there are actually several forms which are equally dangerous. These include focus on getting revenge on one individual player, a 'doomed' feeling in which you are sure that you are going to lose and other negative thoughts and feelings.
Tilt is a huge problem for poker players, and one which very few people are immune to. The key here is to be aware of the forms of tilt and to take immediate action if you feel that you are tilting. This action will usually involve taking a short break from play to ensure that you come back able to make the best possible decisions.
About the Author
Mark Holland is an online poker pro and publisher of quality strategy articles on a wide range of poker variations. For profitable insights into Online Poker Strategy check out SNG Planet today. Hungarian readers can also take advantage of the premier Magyarol póker bónusz information at the Poker Bonusz Klub.
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