6 Steps to Become a Professional Poker Player

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even though the current surroundings might pose challenges to those with desires of becoming poker professionals, the only difference between winners and quitters is commitment.

You will experience many highs and lows, but you need to understand that the struggle is real. If you are serious about this idea, you will not regret taking this path.

If you engage with any poker pro, they will end up giving you a list of things they did wrong at first and the considerable amount of money wasted in the process.

However, after learning from such mistakes, you speed up your learning process and do it while incurring minimal costs.

 

6 Steps to Becoming a Poker Pro

It makes no sense having years of experience in a given setting and not helping someone in need get over their problems.

The blog below covers ideal tips for poker lovers who have their desires clanged on becoming professional poker players.

 

#1 Take Time to Research and Have a Clear Understanding of the Game

This is similar to understanding the basics. It will be pretty tough trying to play or participate in an event you know nothing about. You can do this by reading the accessible poker books and ensure research never stops even after reaching the top level.

In spite of how important book knowledge can be, practice will enable you to perfect the art beyond imagination. You should, therefore, look for free online poker games and try your luck with their demo accounts. Here’s an example of a site that curates the best poker rooms on the internet.

An online poker site will enable you to experience bad beats, try out different methods, and enjoy the passive play. This is vital in helping you understand the game that works best for you.

 

#2 Understand the Rules

Should you be playing online or physically, it is important to be conscious of the rules to follow to avoid confusion when playing.

Some of the essential rules to understand here are hand rankings, blinds, and positional play. Knowing these will ensure you remain relaxed and be in a position to make informed decisions.

#3 Pick Your Game and Practice Consistency

After understanding the basics and the game’s strategy, it is crucial to pick a game that works perfectly for you. You do not want to be a jack of all trades and a master of none.

To many poker professionals, trying to play multiple games simultaneously is a thing they wish they could run back in time to change.

It slows your development as a player and also leads to making unnecessary losses with minimal gain. It is equally difficult to become a master of any game when you keep on shifting sides anyhow.

That said, concentrating on one game shouldn’t deter you from playing with friends who have picked other plays. Still, on choosing the right game, it is highly advised to select a poker game based on possible income.

However, you need to select a play that suits your preference and one that you enjoy playing. You can also pick your game based on;

  • Duration – depending on the kind of games you want (long or short)
  • Your love for changing dynamics – you can participate in tournaments
  • Time management flexibility – cash games could work well for you.

#4 Invest in Education

Professional poker players target higher goals and long-term success. Advice and tricks on long term gains are very hard to find in free articles that can be easily accessible to anyone.

This makes pros invest time and resources in coaches and trainers, knowing that the cost of the process will, in turn, be recovered.

Learning a good course will, by no doubt, save you from first-time errors and keep you motivated. It is highly advised to pay a few dollars for several programs and see if they are worth the cost. After all, it’s all a gamble.

 

#5 Manage Your Money Well

Everyone knows the importance of having a functional money-saving plan. However, poor saving habits easily catch-up with many poker players. Here are few tips for those who want to play poker professionally;

  • The amount of money you are to use for poker should be separated from your daily cash
  • Avoid frequent withdraws
  • Have savings to cover for living expenses; six months is the least advisable period
  • Don’t be too proud to move down the stakes when such needs arise

#6 Play Consciously

Playing poker consistently shouldn’t result in irresponsible gambling. Whereas recurrent plays enable you to stay sharp and develop, responsibly practicing the vice will prevent losses in the event of a bad streak.

Without self-discipline, it is hard to count yourself among the successful poker pros. Take advantage of the accessible timeouts, stake limits, and undertake a reality check to keep everything under control.

 

Benefits and Risks of Being a Professional Poker Player

Having gone through the process of becoming a poker pro and the common mistakes to avoid, amateurs need to understand what life is like on these streets. Below are the pros and cons of professional poker.

Pros

  • You are free to do what you love most under minimal supervision.
  • Poker is competitive and equally exciting
  • Should you be a travel enthusiast, poker will offer you an opportunity to tour some of the biggest hotels in the world.
  • Poker offers you an endless opportunity to make money.

Cons

  • Even though poker is fun and entertaining, the excessive thinking and straining to make the right move is mentally draining as well as exhausting.
  • Poker can result in social stigma when family members and friends fail to understand the game as your source of income.

 

Wrap Up

In conclusion, having the right knowledge, experience, discipline, and self-awareness will make you a successful professional poker player. The best thing with poker is you will find opponents who don’t follow the vice and take advantage of the situation.

However, knowing when to stop for the day is of utmost importance here. Everyone is tempted to chase their losses, but you need to keep that energy for the next day.

The moment you feel you aren’t in the right frame of mind to play, collect your chips, and leave.

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