Common Beginner Mistakes in Skill-Based Games
In gambling, there are two types of games: skill-based and luck-based. While many games toe the line, requiring both skill and luck to win, skill games are often thought to be your best chance at taking home a profit when gambling. But because these games rely on skills, many players make stupid mistakes, which lower their chances of winning.
Starting with too low of a bankroll, not adjusting for variance, and chasing gambling losses are some of the biggest beginner mistakes in skill-based games. Read on to learn more about common beginner mistakes, so you can avoid them.
1. Too Low of a Bankroll
Just because a game is skill-based does not mean you can show up with $5 and a hope and a dream. Skill-based games, as we mentioned above, still include some aspects of luck. You may not win your first hand, even if you have taken every class and know every strategy in the book, and you should plan to play many hands to break even.
In general, even if you plan to play only skill games, we recommend heading to the casino with at least a $200 bankroll to ensure you have enough money to play to your best potential.
2. Not Adjusting for Variance
This is similar to mistake one. Remember, just because you know a skill game and have the skills to play it does not mean you will win every hand. In fact, you will likely lose many rounds each time you play. Of course, you should know the expected variance of your game of choice and bow out if something is really off, but in general, variance is normal and expected.
Combat variance by ensuring you plan to play multiple hands and have a sufficient bankroll before you begin. You can also learn more in our article on variance in gambling.
3. Don’t Chase Losses
Chasing losses is the biggest mistake any gambler can make, even if they aren’t playing skill-based games. Remember, losing while gambling is normal and part of the experience. You should head to the casino with a maximum loss number, and when you lose that amount, you should leave. Never, ever, chase losses.
4. Mismanaging Reinvestments
When we speak on your bankroll, we are talking about the money you bring to the casino to begin your play. This number does not include reinvesting your winnings, which you should do when playing skill games.
That being said, you need to know what percentage of your winnings to reinvest and how much to walk away with to ensure you have enough money to bring back another bankroll the next night.
In general, the method which works for you will vary, but we recommend either the 50% rules (reinvesting half of your winnings every time) or the “free-play” method where you reinvest all your winnings once you earn back your initial bankroll (meaning you are only playing on money which is effectively “free”) while both have their positives and negatives, the method which works best for you will depend on your lifestyle and method of play.
5. Study After a Prolonged Break
Just like you lose a muscle when you don’t work it out, so too can your skills at a certain gambling game fade with time. Not only are there often changes made which can affect gameplay, but new tactics and strategies are always emerging, and if you don’t keep up, you may find yourself blindsided by skill atrophy.
Most professional gamblers spend hours watching gameplay when they aren’t playing—and this is for a good reason—as it ensures they are constantly learning and keeping up with their field. Many amateur players don’t know or understand this, and as a result, they may take a prolonged break and try to return without practice—something which can lead to major losses as their skills atrophy with time.
We recommend that, if you’ve taken more than a month off from playing your preferred game, you spend a few weeks getting back into gameplay before heading to the tables.
6. Ignoring Promotions
We hate to say it, but one of the best benefits of playing the same game, in the same casino, repeatedly is the loyalty programs. Professional gambling is a difficult profession, and honestly, we don’t think as many people would stick with it if it weren’t for casino loyalty programs. These programs can often be a form of income for professional players.
As we’ve specified multiple times, you won’t win every single day. But a bad day can feel not as bad when you have a free casino dinner waiting for you after you cash out.
So, as dumb as it may seem to sign up for some of the casino loyalty programs, don’t forget to do so, because many of these rewards do result in a net positive for players, especially because the rewards are earned with money they were going to spend on playing anyway. And who knows, you might just win big and find yourself in a higher tier than you ever imagined.
7. Doing Illegal Things
We hate that this has to be on the list, but it is a massive mistake we see great players making all the time. One of the things about being good at skill games is that you will walk away with wins more often than you think—unless, you are gambling illegally.
This is more of an online gambling topic, but many large casinos like Caesars and MGM have online platforms that players use. Before you put a single dollar in, ensure you are legally registered and playing within the terms and conditions on the site. If you aren’t, and you win big, you will walk away with nothing.
Overall, skill games are the way to go when it comes to gambling, as though they still involve luck, they also call for a skill that you can continually work to improve. While you aren’t guaranteed to win all the time, you will definitely walk away with more money more often during skill games than you would with simple games of chance.
