Becoming a professional poker player may seem like an attractive career, but it’s more challenging. While the lifestyle appears glamorous, with opportunities to travel and earn money doing something you enjoy, it’s not for everyone.
It’s a demanding occupation that requires skill and hard work, and only some succeed. So, before you consider leaving your job to pursue a poker career, it’s essential to understand the realities of the profession.
Make sure your bankroll can take it
If you want to make a living by playing poker, treat it as a business and ensure that you have sufficient funds, just like you would for any other company. Even playing at low stakes can accumulate expenses, making it essential to have monetary support. Losing successive games is a common occurrence, even for experienced individuals.
Therefore, having enough money is vital to avoid bankruptcy and the need to look for a job. You should have at least 25-30 buy-ins for your selected poker game and save 3-6 months’ living expenses. However, some players prefer to be extra careful and will continue working until they have saved enough to cover six months’ costs and have 40-50 buy-ins.
Be physically and mentally prepared
Professional poker players know that their behaviors outside the game influence their performance. Much like other athletes, physical health is crucial for their success. Poker players must commit time and energy to care for themselves to improve their well-being.
Be prepared to hustle weird hours
If you aspire to become a professional poker player, you’ll have to make lifestyle changes, as most pros need to follow the regular 9-5 routine. They prefer to play in the evenings and sometimes go till the wee hours of the morning since that’s when the games are most profitable.
The poker game with the most action happens late at night when recreational players are either intoxicated or not playing their best. The trick is to find such games and utilize them to your advantage.
Professional poker players often find balancing relationships and their careers challenging due to the random and often late-night hours. Some poker pros are single because they struggle to find a partner who can comfortably handle such a lifestyle.
Additionally, frequent travel, especially for those participating in tournaments, puts more pressure on relationships. Therefore, if you plan to become a professional poker player, you should be prepared to accept being single or find someone who can cope with the demands of your job.
Don’t let fear stop you
It’s important to remember that professional poker players are human too. They have personal problems, music preferences, and need to take bathroom breaks – all of which can cause them to make mistakes during the game.
While it’s necessary to fine-tune your strategies, it’s equally important to recognize that you and your opponents are prone to errors. Professional players make their living by playing against those who make more frequent or more extensive mistakes than they do.
When playing against a professional in poker, it’s essential to avoid making mistakes. However, you will likely make errors, so only dwell on them briefly. They happen to everyone. Unlike other games like soccer, one error in poker won’t necessarily make you lose the game right away. Your opponents will need to take advantage of your error. So stay relaxed and composed no matter what happens.
Inhale peace, exhale stress
Playing poker against skilled opponents can be difficult if you feel mentally drained from stress. You must remain calm and think clearly, even under pressure, to perform well in this situation. If it seems overwhelming, there are some tips to cope with stress, such as taking deep breaths, using the extra time given wisely, picturing opponents naked (or not), and even ordering a shot for an extra boost and win a poker game.
Be open to learning new things
Many highly skilled poker players in the top 10 to 15 years are no longer considered elite. Adapting to the ever-changing poker strategy is crucial to avoid losing the game. In 2003, when the poker boom arrived after Chris Moneymaker’s WSOP Main Event victory, millions started playing poker for the first time. However, most players could not perform well without sufficient knowledge, allowing professional players to take advantage of them.
The game of poker has evolved, and now younger players are dominating with a more analytical approach known as “game theory optimal.” As a result, many old-school pros have been edged out as they haven’t learned this modern strategy. It’s essential for both online and live poker players to constantly study and adapt to the ever-changing game to stay competitive.
Have World-Class Confidence
To excel in flush poker, being physically and mentally well-prepared before entering the poker room is crucial. However, some players need help to gain the confidence necessary to succeed.
While most players believe they are skilled, only a few are confident. When you have complete faith in your skill and knowledge, you can play your best regardless of the hand dealt or situation that arises.
While confidence can be helpful, more is needed to win poker games. One must put in a lot of time and effort studying their play and others to reach world-class status. This requires a lot of hands played and practice away from the tables.
Once you have put in this effort, you will likely see great results, and your confidence will increase accordingly. This reflects the time and energy you have invested in improving your skills.
But, Leave Your Ego
If you’re playing poker for a living, focus on building a large bankroll and steady income rather than trying to prove yourself against top pros. For instance, Daniel Negreanu can afford to lose $1.2 million to Doug Polk without being significantly impacted financially. Still, most pros can only participate in high-stakes matches against players like Polk if they risk their livelihood.
To maximize your earnings, focus on playing against less experienced players, particularly those with higher incomes. Remember that paying your bills should be the primary goal, not demonstrating your abilities.
Conclusion
As a professional poker player, it is essential to stay focused and motivated. Success isn’t always instantaneous; you must practice and perfect your strategies, but you can become a world-class player with dedication and consistency.
It’s also essential to develop good habits of bankroll management, discipline, and long-term planning and treat poker games, including Texas Hold em, like a business venture. If these tactics are implemented, your success can be measurable and consistent. Your poker career is just beginning โ go out there and make it happen!