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Not knowing the rules
Always take time to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game BEFORE the money is involved - otherwise you may make silly - and costly - mistakes.
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Gaming while intoxicated
A glass or two of alcohol may make feel good, but gambling when you are drunk or under the influence of drugs is most unwise because you may fail to recognize when the odds are stacked against you.
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Betting big at an unfamiliar site
Play without money or only bet small amounts until you are 100% familiar with the website.
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Betting more than you can afford to lose
Sometimes people bet all of their savings and their house in order to re-coup the losses. Being desperate is never a good strategy. Always set your limits before you start playing.
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Rushing
It's simple: do not rush. Take time to evaluate the situation and make the decision before taking action. People you play with will endeavor to get to know you and how you react in any given situation. Being in a rush increases a chance of making a mistake and may provide your opponents with a clue.
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Jumping from one different game to another
Playing a whole lot of different games in one evening is confusing, lowers your concentration, and makes it more likely for you to commit an error of judgment you otherwise would not have committed.
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Taking a win or a loss personally
If you make a wager and lose, this in no way reflects on you as a person. Likewise, when you win, thinking that the fortune is on your side and betting a fortune is not a good idea. It is best to approach gambling with a clear mind.
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Betting big on a hunch and/or betting more than you can afford to lose
Games of chance are games of chance whether you have a gut feeling or not. Set your limit before you start playing and stick to it without exceptions.
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Staying glued to one spot for hours
Especially if you're playing a decision-making game, it is hard to keep your concentration high at all times. You are likely to get tired, become highly emotional and start making errors of judgment. Take regular breaks to replenish your energy.
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Relying on tips of people around you
Hey, it's not their money - it's yours! Remember that as a general rule people are a lot more likely to be careless with your money than with their own.
