New players are constantly coming into the online poker world all of the time. And unfortunately, many of these beginners have a tough time adjusting to real money play because they make a large number of mistakes. Seeing as how mistakes can cost players money on the poker tables, let's discuss three of the biggest gaffes that new players need to avoid.

1. Thinking Everybody is bluffing

This mistake can really be attributed to Hollywood because movies make it seem as if bluffing is behind every dramatic and exciting play in poker. In reality, real poker games aren't so glamorous and most people play their hands according to strength. Sure bluffs do happen, especially on drawing hands. But this notion that everybody is trying to pull one over on you with 2-7 offsuit is blown out of proportion. Until you develop strong reading skills, get into the mindset that most players aren't trying to bluff you.

2. Not betting with a Goal

Too many new players make frivolous bets without considering what their end goal is. One of the worst offenses includes making a huge raise to scare an opponent into folding. Some novices might even go all-in just to steal a pot that's worth a few blinds. But if the goal is to force your opponent to fold, you should only raise what would get them out of the pot without exposing yourself to lots of risk. In an overall sense, you should always think about the hand as a whole and what you're trying to do before making a bet or raise.

3. Playing at Stakes that are Too High

Most beginners start at stakes that are too high and don't even realize it. For example, somebody with a $20 bankroll will begin their poker career in $0.05/$0.10 No-Limit Hold'em. Considering that cash game buy-ins are 100 big blinds, $20 would only give you 2 buy-ins at $0.05/$0.10 NLHE. And when variance and the typical beginner's lack of skill comes into play, this just isn't enough to survive. A good guideline to follow in the beginning is to have 20 buy-ins for the cash game stakes you play and 50-60 buy-ins for tournament stakes. This amount should allow you to survive while you learn poker strategy and improve.

There are plenty of other mistakes that beginning poker players can fall prey to. But the more you study strategy and work on your game, the more likely you'll be to win money someday.