Seven Steps to Becoming a Professional Poker Player

Do comprehensive research about your favourite type of poker. Is it Texas Hold’Em? Is it Omaha? There are several versions of poker, but you need to learn the ins and outs of the version of your choice. Some tactics and techniques may work better in one version than in another. Always get material that’s specific to your type of game.

Try out your lessons on free poker platforms. The internet has countless free poker games of all kinds. Playing on those websites is the safest way to practice if you aren’t yet used to the game.

Even if you’ve been on a roll lately and read the advice books, you should think twice before jumping into professional playing. First, you need to build a winning profile as an online player. The ability to perform consistently, in the long run, is essential for every professional player.

Before going to live tournaments, consider what kind of table you’re going to and the necessary bankroll. Consider as well other expenses that may limit your buy-in, like flights and hotels.

Improving your skills must be your daily motto. Little by little, you can build solid foundations for your abilities. You know the saying: poker takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. There’s always a soft skill that needs reinforcement or something new to learn.

Improving your skills is part of investing in your education, but it must be done with focus to be effective. Pick a subject and go deep into it, reading every related literature you can find. You also must be self-aware of your weakest points so that you can work on them.

Investment in education always pays off. You must be on top of your game if you want to be the best at the table. Learn the rules by heart as soon as possible so that you can skip to more exciting concepts. Invest in books and classes and stay tuned with the latest developments in the game.

Professional players never stop practising and never stop studying. Cultivate the daily habit of expanding your knowledge little by little. Additionally, focus on what you believe are your weakest points. Research concepts regarding strategy, odds calculation, card calculation, etc.

Knowing when to stop is one of the defining features of a winner. Poker is a highly addictive game, and players can go astray, trying to recover their losses. Some players may also be attracted to other kinds of gambling, like sports betting and other casino games.

Remember always to have your bankroll money separated from everything else. In fact, it’s advisable to open a bank account exclusively for this purpose. Never risk money you can’t afford to lose, like money for rent or bills.

Bankroll management is a crucial skill for every serious poker player. Failing to do so can compromise the entire career. Still, it’s possible to live off a professional poker player salary, even if you aren’t a WSOP champion. Check these professional poker player tips to help you keep your finances on track.

• Never mix bankroll cash with daily expenses cash
• Make savings to cover your back for at least six months
• Don’t hesitate to slow down on stakes if results fall short

Careful bankroll management and responsible playing habits walk hand in hand after all.

Take your new career seriously. Make a name for yourself as a well-trained and fair-play professional. Refrain from drinking alcohol or taking any other substances before or during games. Doing so can impair your judgement and lead you to poor decisions. Moreover, it can leave a bad impression on your colleagues.

Playing poker professionally can be amazing, but it has its ups and downs like any other profession. There are periods of bad luck, called “variances”, which can put you off the game. You’ll also have to deal with professional poker player taxes on your possible winnings. Check what’s hot and what’s not about this profession.

Pros

The idealised dream life of poker champions is partially true. It’s a job with no bosses, and there’s always a table available. Besides, you can make your schedule of playing and practising. Above a certain level, you’ll start travelling for ever-larger competitions. In some of those competitions, the winning potential is virtually limitless.

Cons

Becoming a pro is no sea of roses either. It can be extremely stressful, especially during unlucky times. It’s also often exhausting because it takes a lot of dedication and discipline to achieve a high playing level. Additionally, most players must handle the social stigma coming from family and friends.