Poker is a game of chance, but winning in the long run requires that you play correctly. The best way to play correctly is to understand what hands are strong and weak, how to read your opponents, and how to defend your stack in tournaments. In addition, it’s important to master your preferred format (EP, MP, BB) and to know the math behind paying from the big blind.
You’re in a hand and you’re not sure whether to call or fold. Then the next card comes that makes your opponent’s pair a full house, and you regret your decision as they rake in a huge pot. This is called the one-sided coin problem and it’s a maddening way to lose money.
You stare at your opponent and try to read their tells. They rub their forehead, scratch their head, or wiggle their leg. Finally, you decide that they’re bluffing and make the call. You watch a huge pile of chips go to them and you’re angry. This is the one-sided coin problem and it’s also a very common mistake that many players make. To avoid this mistake, focus on studying your opponents’ betting patterns and learn the different types of tells. Also, it’s important to play in position as much as possible because this will give you more information about your opponents and help you categorize them. This will allow you to make more profitable calls and avoid one-sided coin problems.