Micah Raskin’s Top Five Poker Tips for Aspiring Players

Poker is a game of skill, patience, and strategy. Many people are drawn to the excitement of the game, but few truly understand what it takes to become a successful player. Professional poker player Micah Raskin has spent years honing his craft, competing at high-stakes tables, and mastering the mental and strategic aspects of the game. For those who want to learn poker and play at a higher level, he shares his top five tips to set a beginner on the right path.

The game of poker requires more than just knowing the rules. Success comes from understanding the deeper elements of decision-making, psychology, and probability. Many players make the mistake of jumping into games without developing a solid foundation, often leading to unnecessary losses. Micah Raskin believes learning poker from the beginning is essential to long-term success.

Master the Fundamentals Before Anything Else

One of the most common mistakes among new players is trying to learn advanced strategies before mastering the basics. A strong foundation in poker fundamentals is necessary before a player can begin thinking about complex plays and strategies. Micah Raskin emphasizes the importance of starting with hand selection, position, and understanding betting patterns.

Knowing which hands to play and which to fold is a skill that can save a player a lot of money. Many beginners play too many hands simply because they want to be involved. Professional players, on the other hand, are selective about the hands they play and make decisions based on long-term profitability.

Position is another critical factor that separates good players from average ones. Acting last in hand provides a significant advantage because it allows players to gather information about opponents’ actions before deciding. Players who understand position can exploit it by playing more hands when they have a positional advantage and folding weaker hands when they are out of position.

Micah Raskin advises new players to focus on playing tight and aggressive rather than loose and passive. Being assertive with strong hands and folding weaker hands ensures a solid strategy that minimizes losses and maximizes winnings. Once the fundamentals are solid, players can begin learning more advanced techniques.

Pay Attention to Opponents and Read Their Play

Poker is not just about playing cards—it is about playing against people. One of the key skills that separates professional players from amateurs is the ability to read opponents. Micah Raskin stresses the importance of observing betting patterns, body language, and tendencies to gain an edge in the game.

Many players make the mistake of focusing only on their cards without considering what their opponents might have. Professional players always consider their opponents’ possible hands and adjust their strategies accordingly. A player’s betting behavior can reveal a lot about their hand strength. For example, sudden aggression from a usually passive player may indicate a strong hand, while hesitation or inconsistent betting may indicate weakness.

Live poker provides additional opportunities to read physical tells. Subtle movements, facial expressions, and changes in breathing patterns can give clues about an opponent’s confidence level. While online poker eliminates these physical reads, players can still analyze betting patterns and timing to identify weaknesses.

Developing the ability to read opponents takes time and practice, but it is one of the most valuable skills in poker. Micah Raskin advises new players to stay observant, take notes, and learn from every hand, even when not involved in the action.

Manage Your Bankroll Wisely

Bankroll management is one of the most overlooked aspects of poker, yet it is one of the most critical factors in a player’s long-term success. Many players go broke not because they lack skill but because they fail to manage their money correctly. Micah Raskin emphasizes that poker is a game of variance; even the best players experience downswings.

A player’s bankroll should be separate from their everyday finances. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is playing games they cannot afford. Raskin advises players to only risk money they are comfortable losing and to choose games that fit their bankroll size. A good guideline is to have at least 20 to 30 buy-ins for cash games and 100 buy-ins for tournaments.

Another critical aspect of bankroll management is avoiding emotional decisions. Many players go on “tilt” after losing a big hand and start playing recklessly to win back their losses. This often leads to even more significant losses. Professionals, including Raskin, know that maintaining discipline and sticking to bankroll guidelines is crucial to surviving downswings and ensuring long-term profitability.

Bankroll management also involves knowing when to move up in stakes and when to move down. Players should only move up when they have built a substantial bankroll cushion and are confident in their ability to beat higher-stakes games. If a player experiences significant losses, moving down to lower stakes can help rebuild confidence and avoid unnecessary financial risk.

Always Keep Learning and Improving

Poker is a constantly evolving game, and players who want to succeed must be willing to learn and adapt. Micah Raskin believes that the best players always look for ways to improve their game, whether through studying, reviewing hands, or discussing strategies with other players.

Many new players make the mistake of thinking they know everything after a few wins. However, poker is a game of continuous learning. Even professionals spend hours analyzing their hands, reading books, watching training videos, and discussing hands with fellow players. Raskin encourages aspiring players to take advantage of educational resources, from online training sites to live coaching.

Reviewing hands is one of the best ways to improve. Recording key hands and analyzing mistakes helps players identify leaks in their game. By understanding what went wrong in a losing hand, players can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

Another important aspect of improvement is adjusting to different playing styles. Poker is a game of adaptation, and the ability to change strategies based on opponents is crucial. Micah Raskin advises players to be flexible in their approach and constantly adjust based on the table dynamics.

Stay Mentally Strong and Maintain Emotional Control

Poker is as much a mental game as it is a strategic one. Emotional control separates the best players from those who struggle to succeed. Micah Raskin stresses that mental strength is as important as technical skill, especially when dealing with losing streaks.

Variance in poker means that even great players experience bad beats and downswings. The key is to stay focused and not let emotions dictate decisions. Many players become frustrated after a series of losses and start playing aggressively to recover, often leading to more mistakes. Professionals know how to remain calm, stick to their strategy, and make logical decisions regardless of recent outcomes.

Taking breaks is another essential part of maintaining mental sharpness. Long poker sessions can lead to fatigue, which affects decision-making. Raskin recommends stepping away from the table when frustrated or tired to regain focus and return with a clear mind.

Building mental toughness also involves maintaining confidence without becoming overconfident. Losing streaks can make players doubt their abilities while winning can make them reckless. The best players stay level-headed, treating each hand as a new opportunity to make the right decision.

Following the advice of a Pro

Micah Raskin’s top five tips for aspiring poker players provide a clear roadmap for improving their game. By mastering the fundamentals, reading opponents, managing their bankroll wisely, continuing to learn, and maintaining emotional control, players can set themselves up for long-term success. Poker is a game of skill, patience, and discipline. Those who take the time to develop these qualities will have the best chance of becoming successful players.