Many poker players find themselves stuck in a rut in terms of playing poker; making the same mistakes over and over again. This is especially true of beginning poker players.

Thus, this article will provide several poker traps that new players commonly get stuck in when playing. Especially, the trap of playing too many hands!

Playing too many hands before the flop is what I consider to be the biggest mistake made by most poker players. However, it is especially a big mistake for new poker players. You should be playing only 20-25% of all your hands and folding the rest. I suggest that when choosing a hand to play before the flop, you should make sure that your cards meet certain requirements.

Many poker players take any pair or any draw to the river. As a general rule, you should be continuing with only top pair or better or a strong draw.

In addition, many poker players play by feeling rather than by cards, situations and numbers. Many poker players, especially new poker players, play hands because they have a "feeling" about them. One word, DON'T! Remember, poker is a mathematical game: everything that can possibly happen boils down to odds.

Therefore, you should only play a hand because it has good odds of winning - not because you feel lucky or you feel you are due. You play a hand because the situation dictates that in the long term, by playing that hand, you will make money. Poker, in my opinion, is not gambling, IT IS A SKILLED GAME based on math!

In addition, many poker players take hands too far past the flop - they go too far with them.

The reason for poker players playing too many hands can be also be blamed on their emotions getting the best of them. Poker, remember, can be a stressful game. Thus, many poker players who lose a couple of hands will start to let their emotions get the better of them. When this happens. they start making bad decisions. A winning poker player must make the best possible decisions by approaching decision making with a clear frame of mind and not be afraid of playing fewer hands.

Just remember, poker is a long-term game and do not be afraid of the flop.

In summary: Do not play too many hands before the flop, base your decisions on concrete factors, and keep your emotions in check. Once again, remember to take the long view when you assess potential action.