The majority of social poker players or 'occasional dabblers' usually play the odd game of low-limit stud poker on smaller denomination tables and, while they have fun, normally end their gambling session without winning.

Being disciplined and learning how to avoid the most common mistakes made by novice poker players, you can remain a social player but one who can actually start winning. In this article, we will look at 6 common poker mistakes and, most importantly, how to avoid them. So sit back, open your mind and prepare to learn on take your game to a new level!

Mistake 1, Playing Too Many Hands - Most social or novice players simply play too many hands when they should, in fact, play only the hands that give them an advantage. In 7-card stud for example, players wait to see if their hand will improve once all of seven cards have been dealt. By playing every hand, you send a clear message to your opponents that you are a novice and they will proceed to clean you out down the line once you are in the pot with them.

When you are dealt a poor hand, fold. If for instance you see a pair of Aces on the table and all you have is a low pair with a kicker, get out of dodge and fold. Far better hands are waiting around the corner.

Mistake 2, Not Watching the Board - By concentrating on your own cards and not paying close attention to the table will give your opponents a big advantage. They will be watching carefully to see if you draw dead and then start betting aggressively and calling. Since you will not be aware that they know you are drawing dead, they will take advantage of you every time.

As well as paying attention to your own hand, be diligent and watch the board and your opponent's cards. By not watching what is happening on the table, you risk missing possibilities that might develop and your opponents will pounce.

Mistake 3, Aiming for Straights - Most novice players love going for straights. Unless you are dealt a straight, it is a good idea not to play for them because the odds are against you. The majority of top poker players don't bother going for straights. Picture yourself playing for a straight and getting beaten by someone with a flush!

The key is to avoid straights altogether as they can be costly down the line.

Mistake 4, Playing Small Pairs - Novice players just love small pairs and will continue to play on a pair of threes or fours when they should have noticed from watching the table that another player has a big pair. Experienced poker players will let you bet on small pairs, but as soon as they are dealt a strong hand and they will start raising the bets and cost you money.

Try to avoid playing small pairs. However, if you do, once your opponent starts raising the bets, get out and fold.

Mistake 5, High Pairs - Novices get very excited when they get a high pair. Very often though, they will trap themselves by slow playing which the good players will recognise and take advantage of. In general, good online poker players will play a pair of Aces or Kings aggressively to limit the field early in the game.

By playing aggressively with a high pair, you will force your opponents to play the small pairs and straights, thus winning you the pot.

Mistake 6, High Cards - Good poker players know that novice players love face cards. If you are thrilled with you high card and fail to notice what is going on at the table, you will get burnt because you are tempted into betting on your cards and will ultimately lose money.

You need to learn to give your high cards less importance and play wisely by watching what is going on around you or you may just walk away with nothing.

Well, we hope these common mistakes and solutions help to improve your level of game and increase your winnings.?