Playing Poker Professionally

[PHX]

"Poker is a hard way to make an easy living" This statement is so true because unlike other professions you can do everything 100% correct and still end up failing.


I can't speak for cash players because I don't play cash. Going pro is hard for tournament players. Your MTT profit graph is almost always on a downward slide except for that one magical run where you make a final table and make some real money and your graph has that nice steep vertical lift . These are few and far between.


If you really want to try and go pro my advise is to prepare have a certain timeframe and funds set aside. The worst thing you can do is wake up one morning and decide you going pro and have less than four figures in your account. Remember you need to eat, pay bills and live.


One thing I want address is the definition of Pro as it relates to poker players. A Poker Pro is someone who plays poker for a living. It does not necessarily mean that they are any good or some expert just because we define them as a Poker Pro.
There are many Recreational and Part Time Players that are great at poker and have had really good success. Some of these Part Timers are 1000% better at poker than some of these Pros What I am trying to get at is not all Poker Pros are good and not all Recreational.players are bad.

 

[mk0523]

I would not ever recommend anyone to be a poker pro. It might sound like fun at first, but eventually it becomes like a job like anything else. Very stressful, gives you mood swings constantly due to all the swings, and you have to dedicate so much time to the game if you want to be successful. It will takeover your life and isn't healthy for your mind to play the hours that you will need to play in order make enough money to support yourself.

 

[jfitzg414]

sergik1992
here is why I do not think everyone can be a pro.
1 bankroll not everyone has the resource to play face to face or online
2 reads not everyone is detail oriented enough to see tells face to face or read it online
3 Frustration level things happen that are random and even pros good and bad fall to the tilt
4 As darthdimisky says stamina is a key to winning along with the bankroll

 

[titiduru]

Poker is a fun game, but if it becomes your job than it will be just as boring as every other job. You can't be profitable in poker unless you grind.

 

[Amanda A]

Great article. I think that's an important point about how players got better and it's tough out there. We need something to really make poker exciting for everyone and draw in a lot of people who don't know how to play. ha ha

 

[grumblbrumbl]

A professional can be considered one who earns a living exclusively by playing poker. If you have a basic job, then you are considered an amateur in poker. This is the first. The second. To become a real professional, in my opinion, you need to attend live tournaments. Or every month to play a plus online. That's all.

 

[Nathan Williams]

Nice article. I also think going pro is a bad idea for the vast majority of people even if they win at poker already. Playing poker recreationally is a totally different universe from playing when your bills depend on it.

 

[Ivansito26]

first regards, this size is very important, many people sometimes see how easy it is to play poker and more when we hit something big, and we feel that we are ready to be a professional player, and it is not like that, we have to dedicate a lot of time to this sport, hours of study because it is also good to read and know what the professionals think .... in my case today I depend on poker because in my country the situation is very difficult the cost of living is very large salary is not enough there is no food to eat sometimes and I have spent more time playing than working, but I do not quit my job, so when I earn a few dollars I take them out and sell them .. but I love poker very much I have fun but it is also good to win because it helps me a lot in the economic, waiting for my country to end all this that is killing all Venezuelans inflation and crime.

 

[CRStals]

When one wants to play professionally you have to consider the amount of bankroll you need to properly fund the games and levels you need to play to make enough. Taking into account taxes and playing about 40 hours a week, a typical player might need to make $35 / hr to build enough profit to pay all monthly expenses, save, and live. If you were a cash game specialist living in the US (not NJ, NV or Delaware) then you are playing live cash games at most likely 2/4 NL or 2/5 NL. That requires a bankroll of $20k.

So one important factor that someone wanting to play pro needs to do beforehand is to calculate the level they need to play at to win enough, and what the proper bankroll is at that level. I feel this gets overlooked when making the decision to play professionally. The tax question also comes into play - one should know what the tax laws are and what's required for a person to play. In some circumstances this may require the player to operate as a business which bring additional considerations.


At the end of the day, wanting to play pro is a dream, but if it becomes a reality do your homework!!

 

[BentleyBoy]

Wouldn’t we all love the apparently glamorous lifestyle of the likes of Daniel and the rest! Of course we would...... however the reality has to bite somewhere!

So, say you are a bricklayer and dearly want to become an investment banker. You wouldn’t just give up your job as a brikkie and start being an investment banker the next day (let alone becme a successful one!).... that is, without the proper training and accreditation to be an investment banker wil the requisite skills and knowledge... and then work on being successful. This would be a huge change in your life which would entail some element of college or university and an instant demand on your finances in terms of reduced income and increased outgoings. Just cos you have dabbled in a few shares and made a small profit doesn’t mean you will be a success at the big end of things in a cut throat business.


So! Why is poker so different? It’s not, other than many of us see other people do just that but perhaps don’t appreciate the effort and commitment that goes into making the switch from everyday joe, to professional poker player.


I thinks marcs opening post in this thread is quite succinct. Just look at Daniels Poker performance and the quantities of losses he must endure to make the profits he does. Hmmm! I am assuming not all of those losses are his, as he recives sponsorship and a pay check from a variety of places that he has contracts with and provide him with an income that is not related to simply playing a game of poker. Smart poker players become noticed and find their way into sponsorship deals, contracts and other money making programmes which means they are not solely reliant on tournament winnings.


In essence, going pro, has to mean more than just playing poker. The successful,players are well known and are making money elsewhere. You need to diversify to keep your poker career going...otherwise you will just go Busto!


Good luck if you do take the plunge!


BB

 

[No1eJoker]

I think that all members sometimes wish being a professional player, so I do. But I think it is very difficult to accomplish, it requires a lot of effort, waiver and of course money. And I also think that many professional players can not 'survive' on top and living from poker profit alongside ever greater competition.

 

[dobatibata]

I think that playing poker for a living, would be a lot harder than people think. I know we see players on TV, making vast sums of money, but ask yourself how often do they cash, or how often do they blow up. I know there is a difference between cash and tournament play, and I expect there are a lot of pro's who play both. Unless it is a TV event, we hardly hear about the money made from "cash games". (Unless of course your name is Isildur), and even he takes some big blows sometimes.

Myself I am a strictly a tournament player, and I would say on tournaments, if you are lucky to cash 20% of the time, you are doing really well.

However, if someone like Daniel Negreanu (probably spelt that wrong) can you imagine if he cashed 20% of the time, and his average buy-in is just (taking a minimum to show my point) $50K - How many tournaments does he play a year? Not difficult to find the answer, but looking at his cashes for 2017, he cashed 20 times in 2017, so effectively I reckon 20% of the time he cashed, so 80 times he did not? 80 * 50K = $4M in losses? Now before anyone quotes me, this is a quick search of google, and probably incorrect figures, but can you imagine, this is a man at the top of his game, and yes - he knows what he is earning, but going forward to 2018, he needs to make sure, if he follows BRM rules, using the 3% rule in any one tournament, he would need to have a BR of $1.6M, before he starts, now, I expect he is sponsored by Pokerstars, and they pay a lot of his entrance fees, and he has other bonuses.


As the above is only an example, and obviously far above what a lot of us play, but I think, without including his costs of travel, real life costs, etc I think if I had his money, I would find it frightening - I bet even the great Daniel, must have some nightmares if he ever lays down and works it out. The life looks great, but unless you have a very understanding family, have a love of travel, and love sleeping in hotels, it is not for you.


Finally, before I send you asleep, I would love to be a professional player, but at my BR level, unless I hit it big one day, (guaranteed, to bink the Sunday storm in 2018, btw), I would just have to dream, and hope one day it comes true.

One of the best posts I read on this forum, love the part for Daniel Neg you are so right

 

[cubons]

Recently I dropped out of Uni to become a pro player So far 270$ in freerolls Can`t wait to get in higher stakes :O

 

[Vorem]

Many people dream of becoming a professional gambler, and give up a low-paying job), but the truth is that professional poker is not a game for the poor.
In order to become a professional, a personal trainer and years of practice are needed, very few people will be able to combine this with their main work

 

[Andrew Popov]

A professional poker game, like professional sports, takes a lot of time and effort, for training, training, and tournament play. Only such an attitude to the business really pays off and can become your main occupation. It should be remembered that online poker and poker in general - does not provide the player with social protection. You have to take care of yourself and your finances. You have to win enough to provide yourself not only everyday needs, but also have a reserve for rest time, illness, and so on. For most players, this is an unattainable level (otherwise we would all be millionaires, and poker rooms and casinos have long gone bankrupt).

However, poker is good as an excellent pastime, and for many good players it is also an additional source of earnings.

 

[Tulipaneiro]

For me poker is only hobby. I'm very interested real tournament's and i like internet poker but I can't live only poker. Maybe I get idea someday to be pro poker player but long way to this.

 

[Ryan Laplante]

Decent article.

Id like to add that poker also takes exceptionally hard work on and off the table.

Most pro players I know work 40+ hours a week on average, study 5++ hours a week, as well as live a balanced life with working out, eating well, etc.


Thats all needed to truly succeed.

 

[Debi]

Decent article.

Id like to add that poker also takes exceptionally hard work on and off the table.

Most pro players I know work 40+ hours a week on average, study 5++ hours a week, as well as live a balanced life with working out, eating well, etc.


Thats all needed to truly succeed.

Do most of the pros you know play poker exclusively - or do you find that most of them have to do a few other things as well - such as training, coaching, writing etc - or even part time jobs not related to poker? (to supplement their income)

 

[Ryan Laplante]

Do most of the pros you know play poker exclusively - or do you find that most of them have to do a few other things as well - such as training, coaching, writing etc - or even part time jobs not related to poker? (to supplement their income)

Almost every pro i know plays poker exclusively, or it is their main source of income. Plenty i know bring in small amounts of money on side income, but majority focus on poker and using earnings to grow bankrolls or to invest. (Real estate/Crypto)

 

[kena3000]

I'm not a proffesional player, i guess i don't want to be one, i play for fun and want to make some extra money, but to make money to live and pay bills, i don't think so. I think this is like when you want to be a professional soccer player, or a basketball player, or any other sport, it is not easy, there is a lot of them that are good, but not good enough, to be the best in the world and still doesn't make enough money for his living style. There is need a lot of effort, disciplined, courage, and being in the right place at ther right time. Managing Bankroll it is very important, and how you spend your earns too. The article says that some bad players start to spend his money on blackjacks, or sports bet, well i did those and lose more than i make.
Bottom line being a proffesional poker player seems awesome but it is harder than we think. Lets try to make as a good regular player and that it is a lot.

 

[tagece]

I always see on the internet advertisements of poker rooms showing how fun and glamorous the game is. Players throw their chips on the table with confident, smart smiles. Luxury cars, yachts and trips are associated with the winning players.
People who offer themselves as coaches tell everyone how, after doing a few hours of their programs, anyone can be profitable and pay their bills with only poker games.
It is great to see a professional player showing that it is a possible career, but very hard and exhausting. And it is not for everyone.
Most of the professionals I accompany work on weekends and at night, often spending the night in front of a computer screen. Living poker requires, besides everything he said, a caring and patient family.

 

[Gary_Heart]

Professional poker LOL - So many who "just donate" money and so few who make a real living - and fewer who make big consistent wins.
It's obvious it aint as easy as so many think.

Sure you'd like to ""take a shot at a higher limit game" but you'll need to muster all your discipline.
Envision this nightmare - freeroll BINGOers shoving it in at hi stakes with ATCs - and hitting the river several times to take your bankroll down to squat. :tomato:
Know going in that you won't be able to play "ABC poker" you'll need to "practice smart bankroll management" and mix it up or get eaten alive.

It'll be UP and DOWN - THICK or THIN and to play with the best you'll need to play well through this roller coaster ride to "break-even" on the lows and profit on the highs.
Still want a seat at a professional table? - Remember - even if you become the best of the best you can still have long break-even/losing stretches that seem to never end -
So good luck and keep you head and bankroll healthy

 

[Hondo]

The author begins with a rather hackneyed aphorism as a sub-title and offers not much else than his opinion and reguritation of the links insesrted into the article. He makes emphasis on being a successful poker player but does not lay out any criteria of what a successful player is. According to this author, some one making a living at poker is not a successful player. I can only conclude that he is some what star struck. That unless your name is a household word you are not a professional.
We are asked to "take it (the wisdom/information) from somone who has succeeded in playing professionally for two years" who's credentials other than some vague claims he (emphasis on 'he' ) makes but who fails to put his name to the article so that one may verify the article's validity and authority.
My opinion on the matter is that playing poker for a living is a lot like acting for a living; you must be very,very passionate about your work.
I conclude with this anecdote. I came to know an actor who frequented an undergroud poker game I played at. He had a major support role in a TV series called "Nikita" and a few years later a lead roll in a spin off from the series. He was from LA but the show was produced and filmed in Toronto. He once said that there were probably only 1% of all actors who had full time jobs in the industry.

 

[Peppinotom]

I started playing online poker in 2004. It took me five years to win a WSOP package without depositing. Before Black Friday hit becoming a pro was all I thought about. I was making good money on FTP and Stars on a monthly bases. I was one of the lucky ones when it came to Black Friday. About two weeks before it happened I had withdrew all my cash from FTP and Stars to take a shot at the WSOP along with my package I had won. I stayed in Vegas for twenty-one days. This was the first time I had ever been to a casino. I played my first live tourney,

Saturday, June 19, 2010 to Thursday, June 24, 2010

WSOP event # 36 1k buy-in with 3,102 players. I cashed taking a brutal beat when I had ace king diamonds in big blind verses the guy on the button. He moved allin preflop who had me covered. He had ten six hearts and hit runner, runner for a straight. I busted out in 320th place. I was mad but happy cause I had just cashed in my first ever WSOP live tourney. I cashed in event 47 as well. I cashed in two out of three WSOP bracelet event. The next year in may I went to WSOP circuit events in New Orleans, la. I cashed in two out of three events again. So I was now thinking I could actually do this. One of my friends is WSOP dealer. He told me since you seem to be running good why don't you come with me to Vegas for three months. I did, I got room in house for $75 a week fully furnished. While I was there I played thirty four tourneys. I made final tables sixteen times with only cashing in three. Most times seven players would make the money and I would take a cooler or bad beat and get knocked out right before the money. Vegas was a whole new beast to me. With most all the tourneys either, rebuys or reentries.I didn't have a big enough bankroll to out last the down swings verses the loose deep pocket gamblers there. So I tried and failed but I learned a lot from my time down there and I will be back for my revenge.. lol ​

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Where would you be today if you'd had get runner runner for you royal flush or FH at least? Youtube? pokerstars? ambassador for 888? Whether don't get married or keep both as seperated as you were working for the FBI!!! Don't tell nobody you are playing poker until you play them AND be careful with "friends" in Vegas, vegas is family! New sence to : What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas ??? arty:

 

[shanest]

Interesting article. I made a go of it a few years back but I don't have the discipline to get to an elite level. I enjoy it a lot more now knowing what I take out of it. For me it is a fun hobby where I can win some additional income but I can't rely on it as my only source of income.