I thought I'd take a minute to talk about being a professional poker player. Please note this is a shortened version of what is contained in my
free e-book that can be downloaded from
here.
First of all being a professional is not as glamorous as it may seem. You are responsible for earning your own money and that at times can be tough. Emotionally it can be a roller coaster with many highs and many bitter lows. I spend hours every day staring at my laptop screen and that is never great fun. I often work hard all week and end up making no money or even losing money. Not many jobs allow you to do that.
However, there are many upsides to the lifestyle of being a professional poker player. Primarily, I can take time off when I want because I’m my own boss. I can get up when I want and start work at times that suit me. There are also lucrative rewards financially which enable me to travel and see the world. I travel often as I can take my work with me (as long as I have my laptop).
If you are thinking about becoming a professional then bear this in mind. What I have discovered is that the most important factor to being a professional poker player is not how good you are at poker. As mad as that may sound there are more important skills and nearly all of them can be put under a general heading of discipline:
• Financial Discipline – Perhaps the most important skill. Many great poker players are unable to manage their own bankroll. They continually go bust. You need to avoid this.
• Work Discipline – You are your own boss but you still need to work. You will not receive a pay check at the end of the month.
• Mental Discipline – You need to accept that you will be subject to even more bad luck as you are playing so much more poker. You need to handle this and avoid going on tilt (playing recklessly because you are upset).
Other questions answered in the full article.So what should you do?
How much money do you need?
How should you pay yourself?
Where should you play?
How long should I play for?
What equipment do I need?
Do I need to study?
Even though you’ll be a professional you need to keep learning. It’s more important that you continue to learn than it is for a casual player. Buy the books, read the forums, watch tutorials – improve your game!
I have read nearly every book on poker and I set myself time each week to study. I said earlier that I don’t even think you need to be great at poker to make money. I honestly believe that. Sit ‘n go’s have a basic game plan that if you follow you can consistently make money. I have taught people who know little or nothing about poker to become winning Sit ‘n go players. Some useful books that will help you improve your game:
Sit 'N Go Strategy – Colin MoshmanHarrington on Hold 'em: v. 1 - Dan HarringtonThe Theory of Poker – David SklanskyIf you have any questions with regards to anything please email me at:
k.stafford@poker-bible.com
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