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Online poker beginners: why the pre flop shoving?

Online Poker Novices Take Risks | Big Bets Before the Flop Spark Debate

By

Dmitry Ivanov

Feb 6, 2026, 11:16 PM

Edited By

Raj Patel

2 minutes reading time

New players make large bets before the flop at an online poker game

A noticeable trend among novice online poker players has emerged. Many are betting big or going all-in before the flop, leaving others concerned about the recklessness of these strategies. This issue has prompted discussions on player discipline, especially in the context of casual online tables.

Context Behind the Betting Madness

Several novice players recently expressed frustration regarding betting behaviors at online tables. According to one player, "Itโ€™s ridiculous how many players will bet huge or go all in before weโ€™ve even gotten to the flop." The implication here is that despite getting mostly low-quality hole cards, the pressure to respond to high-stakes moves is forcing disciplined players to fold more often than not.

Key Comments Amplify Concerns

Insights from various poker forums highlight differing perspectives on this behavior:

  • A player stated that the best practice is to engage in real-money games, even at micro-stakes, to gain better insights into actual play.

  • Another noted, "People donโ€™t drive to the casino to f**kin' fold hands," suggesting that the thrill of the game comes from action rather than conservative play.

These sentiments raise questions: Is this trend limited to online or reflective of broader gambling behavior?

Analyze the Impact

As beginner players flock to these online tables, the inconsistency in betting patterns could signal a shift in traditional poker strategies. Many longtime players advise new gamers to invest in refining their skills in cash games to understand the dynamics better. One user pointed out that playing with just play money can lead to unbalanced experiences.

Sentiment in the Forums

The overall sentiment in the discussions is mixed:

  • Many seem to agree that reckless betting is prevalent among newer players.

  • Others argue that this behavior diminishes the gameโ€™s strategic aspect.

"Youโ€™re playing play money poker. I suggest buying into a 1000/500 cash game to see how better players play."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”บ Many novice players favor aggressive betting pre-flop.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฝ Critics emphasize the need for more disciplined strategies.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ โ€œThis approach sets a dangerous precedent for online gamingโ€ - Observant player

As players adapt to these high-stakes environments, the debate continues. It remains to be seen how these strategies will affect the future of online poker.

Trends Ahead in Online Poker Behavior

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the current aggressive pre-flop betting trend will shape future online poker strategies significantly. As more novice players embrace high-stakes moves without understanding the fundamentals, seasoned players might adapt their approach accordingly. Experts estimate around 60% of regular players could modify their game styles in response, possibly favoring tighter, more calculated play. This shift may lead to increased caution at online tables where novices are prevalent, ultimately changing the chess-like dynamics that once defined the game.

A Lesson from a Historic Betting Boom

The situation mirrors the dot-com bubble of the late '90s, where novice investors flooded into a market, driven by rapid hype rather than sound fundamentals. Just as these investors faced harsh corrections and taught valuable lessons about due diligence, online pokerโ€™s aggressive beginners could spark a broader re-evaluation of strategies among more experienced players. This parallel underscores a crucial truth: unchecked enthusiasm in any venture often leads to valuable insights, albeit sometimes at a heavy cost.