What do you think is the most important advice to give to someone just starting to play poker?

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palm

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The most important is " Don`t play emotional, stay focussed"
 
black and

black and

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Part of what makes CardsChat such a great place to visit is that we provide so much information to new players. What do you think is the most important advice to offer someone just starting out? What will help them love and appreciate the game? What is essential for them to know so that they can succeed?

For me, at least one of the most important lessons I can offer is to remember to have fun at the table. Life is short and often full of surprises. We need to enjoy what we do, as often as we can. So don't forget to breathe and have fun! That's why it is called a game of poker! :giggle:
For me, the most valuable advice was from my colleague who told me that I had to learn to fold. For a long time, I couldn't do it. It was difficult, sometimes even unbearable, but once I learned, only then did poker start to bring me income :)
 
duqnuk

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Bankroll managment
Ranges according to position
Mastering Pre-flop action and ranges
Mastering BTN, SB and BB ranges.
 
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CoucH

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dont play with more than you are willing to loose. While the relation to improving in poker isnt direct, it very much impacts your ability to play with a clear head and your ability to still have fun playing
 
lyki67

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Be patience. Wait for your time. You will know if your time come.
 
Iryna Stryzheuskaya

Iryna Stryzheuskaya

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Always use bankroll management. Many players have lost their bankrolls by not doing this.
 
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monte carlo 01

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Just because you are winning, it doesn't mean you're playing well.
 
martinoni

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Study, study and study... don't compare yourself with others but you
 
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NDim

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Play only for money that you won't be upset about losing.
 
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ammje

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The advice I would give him is to play on the bench, never play bigger tournaments to want to recover lost money.
Losing money in poker is part of the game, even the best player in the world will lose money, so bankroll control is the most important thing, then you have to study poker to improve every day, and in the long term you will be a player who earns money playing poker.:) 😌
 
Recrea_pkr

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In my experience, a key tip is not to get carried away by emotions. When you win some hands it's easy to become overconfident, and when you lose you can fall into a slant. Staying calm and making rational decisions is what differentiates players who progress from those who fall by the wayside.
 
billibooo

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If I had to give a new poker player their very first rule, it would be this: Remember, it’s just a game <3
Don’t let a bad beat sink you, and don’t let a huge win get to your head. Ego is what ruins good players and good games.
A strong mental game is the foundation of poker <3 and that starts with balance. Every loss and every mistake is not failure — it’s a lesson that moves you closer to greatness <3
 
istbno

istbno

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The most important advice for someone just starting to play poker is to treat it as a skill game, not just a gamble, and focus on learning fundamentals before chasing big wins. Beginners should start small, manage their bankroll carefully, and study core concepts like position, starting hand selection, and odds rather than relying on luck. Patience and discipline are crucial—don’t play every hand, don’t chase losses, and avoid emotional decisions. Poker is a long-term game where consistency and learning from mistakes matter far more than short-term results, so building a solid foundation early is the key to improvement and lasting enjoyment.
 
lilypond

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Learn some basic poker strategy and start by playing freerolls or with play money. Find games with easier competition.
 
fernandovr

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The most important advice is to learn how to select starting hands, have the discipline not to play impulsively, and always practice good bankroll management.
 
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odonob

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Play a lot of MTTs, play sit and gos. Play for small stakes or freerolls. Enjoy the game, stop if you get tired or frustrated.
 
istbno

istbno

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One of the biggest leaks in my game is definitely bankroll management. I know deep down that playing outside of proper limits is a mistake, but the desire to win fast often overrides the discipline I should have. Sometimes I convince myself that taking shots at higher stakes will accelerate my progress or get me out of a downswing quicker, but in reality it just exposes me to more risk than I should be taking. It’s a classic leak because I’m aware of it, I know the long-term consequences, yet the short-term urge for a big win keeps me from fully correcting it.
 
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mssmotilda

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Spend more time learning than playing.
 
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