Poker, like any other card game, is a conglomeration of luck, skill, scheme, personality and strategy. If you want to be a successful poker player you must consider the following do’s and don’ts:
 
Don’ts:
 
Never play too many hands in poker. There are many players who stay on with hands that are not very good because they want to be a part of the action. This is the most common mistake made by them because playing more in poker does not mean that you will win more. In fact it means that you will lose. In order to stay in the game, on an average, 2 out of 10 hands is enough, especially in tournaments.
 
Never forget the table etiquettes because any sort of emotional outburst or tantrum will not be tolerated by other players at a poker table. Sleep well and don’t drink alcohol before playing a tournament because it might make it hard for you to concentrate on your opponent’s moves.
 
Do not even think of bluffing just for the sake of bluffing. Many new poker players feel that bluffing is an essential part of the game, but they don’t know how to do it. According to them, a game cannot be won without trying poker bluff. So, avoid bluffing when not necessary.
 
There is no need to stay in hand merely because you are in it. A pot cannot be owned just by throwing money at it.
 
Poker should not be played when in a bad mood. If you are depressed and don’t know how to come out of it, avoid playing. Playing emotionally and not rationally could result in losing your hard earned money. You can never play a good game if you are sad and not able to concentrate.
 
Do’s:
 
You must always pay attention to the cards that are there on the poker table. When you start the game, it is more important to take care of your own hand. Once you manage this, you can start observing the activities of your opponents. Try to notice straight and flush possibilities. If you are playing a 7-card stud game, don’t forget to pay attention to what your opponents have folded and what is showing when you are thinking of calling them.
 
Always pay attention to the activities of other players. Even if you are not in a hand, it helps to observe your opponents. If you get to know that there is a certain position in which a player always raises, another player folds to every re-raise or has a poker tell when he or she bluffs, all this information can be used in deciding your strategies while playing against them.
 
You must always choose a poker game or tournament according to your bankroll and skill level. The most important reason for not jumping into a 5/10 dollar game after winning a lot of money at 2/4 dollars is because with the rise in stakes, the average skill level of the player sitting there also rises. Don’t be the fish playing with the sharks; instead be the best player at the table.