How do you know when you're ready to play for real money?

Veralt

Veralt

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I wouldn't know how to answer that question exactly. I suppose you would have to try and see if you get results, I don't see any other way.
I believe that the most important thing, regardless of whether you do well or not, is to play with money you're willing to lose. In the worst-case scenario, you might lose everything; it doesn't have to be that way, it could go very well for you, but you should always be prepared for the worst. That's why I wouldn't mortgage the house to start playing poker. I would say that the main thing is to have the mindset that the money you're going to play with is either extra or money you're willing to lose. This is just my opinion, but I would say that nobody starts off winning.
In any case, I would try to start after having practiced a lot in freerolls and feeling comfortable with my gameplay, addressing the most significant shortcomings.
Additionally, when starting out, I would focus on not losing money, meaning, at the very least, maintaining the investment (I don't mean avoiding risks) and being content with gaining experience.
 
silentshowdown

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Are you referring to playing poker with real money? One can always begin modestly with Micro Stakes Poker, correct?

Just treat it as a training ground and avoid placing money on higher stakes at the beginning.
 
ttorquemada

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I wouldn't know how to answer that question exactly. I suppose you would have to try and see if you get results, I don't see any other way.
I believe that the most important thing, regardless of whether you do well or not, is to play with money you're willing to lose. In the worst-case scenario, you might lose everything; it doesn't have to be that way, it could go very well for you, but you should always be prepared for the worst. That's why I wouldn't mortgage the house to start playing poker. I would say that the main thing is to have the mindset that the money you're going to play with is either extra or money you're willing to lose. This is just my opinion, but I would say that nobody starts off winning.
In any case, I would try to start after having practiced a lot in freerolls and feeling comfortable with my gameplay, addressing the most significant shortcomings.
Additionally, when starting out, I would focus on not losing money, meaning, at the very least, maintaining the investment (I don't mean avoiding risks) and being content with gaining experience.
Any platform you recommend and why?
 
ttorquemada

ttorquemada

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Are you referring to playing poker with real money? One can always begin modestly with Micro Stakes Poker, correct?

Just treat it as a training ground and avoid placing money on higher stakes at the beginning.
I have been told that it is better to start in low buy-in tournaments than at tables
 
hardongear

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The only way to know is to get in there and try. $50 at 2nl cash tables can go a long way if you play a TAG style and show some patience. Before long you could have $250 and be ready too tackle 5nl. I'd start taking shots at 5nl around $200. Use a 5 buy-in's. If you lose them 5 buy-in's move back to 2nl till you have $200+ again.

You can play the freerolls these forums offer and try to build your bankroll from zero. Which isn't impossible. Fwiw they pretty good freerolls I've played in few now.

Cheers!!!
 
dannystanks

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We don’t know when you are ready only you know that answer. I wasn’t “ready” when I started playing, I lost a lot while getting the experience I have now. Just study and go for it. Good luck!
 
ttorquemada

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The only way to know is to get in there and try. $50 at 2nl cash tables can go a long way if you play a TAG style and show some patience. Before long you could have $250 and be ready too tackle 5nl. I'd start taking shots at 5nl around $200. Use a 5 buy-in's. If you lose them 5 buy-in's move back to 2nl till you have $200+ again.

You can play the freerolls these forums offer and try to build your bankroll from zero. Which isn't impossible. Fwiw they pretty good freerolls I've played in few now.

Cheers!!!
Your answer is very complete, thank you. I was thinking of listening to you and starting with the capital I managed to win in the freerolls in this way, do you think it is possible?
 
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misshailz

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Invest what you can afford, as if you would a hobby. Make sure you set a limit though as to not spend above your means.
Example:

£10 a month maximum and the play the low buy in tournaments to practice.
$0.25 tourney or spin and go.

Also don't play hyper or turbo tournaments at first.
You want to keep the blinds steady so you can practice with bets at a steady pace.
 
pentazepam

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Your answer is very complete, thank you. I was thinking of listening to you and starting with the capital I managed to win in the freerolls in this way, do you think it is possible?
2NL is almost as low as you can start in poker. Just begin as soon as you win more than a couple of dollars and forget about having a bankroll.

If you lose the money it is free money. So just repeat the process with freeroll winnings back and forth until you win at 2NL or realize you are a losing player.

You don't have to begin with the normal 10-20 buy-ins if you finance your play with freerolls.
 
hardongear

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Your answer is very complete, thank you. I was thinking of listening to you and starting with the capital I managed to win in the freerolls in this way, do you think it is possible?

Sure I've started with as little as $20 at 2nl full-ring and have gone to 1k+. I also played MTT's as well. I only play poker as a hobby, for fun and the challenge.

I'd also look into getting a HUD if you plan to wanna improve you poker game as you hopefully move up. They're great to help you study and do hand reviews.

Cheers!!!
 
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Magallaneroy

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You need to make a plan and stick to it. Control your bankroll and go for the victory, is the only way to start playing with your own money.
 
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pjokay

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Definitely start at lower stakes if learning. Not only will you lose less but the play will be easier giving you more chance to make money.
 
Veralt

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Any platform you recommend and why?
I play on pokerstars, 888, and WPT, but I wouldn't recommend any specific platform because I mostly play freerolls, and the choice also depends a lot on your country.
Anyways, I can give you some advices. Try to pay attention to certain aspects before choosing where to play:
The rake (which is the commission taken by the platform where you play, it varies in each platform), the ease with which you can deposit and withdraw money (depends a bit on the country, and for example, on PokerStars, if you want to withdraw money via bank transfer, the minimum amount is $100; You have to inform yourself well about these things from the beginning to avoid any surprises).
Another detail to consider is the number of players and the tournament formats in general. Let me give you an example for better understanding: in the CardsChat freerolls of WPT and 888, the blinds increase much more slowly than in the PokerStars freerolls, allowing you to play better-selected hands. I don't know if this format also prevails in other tournaments or if it depends on each one, but it's another thing to consider.
Lastly, I suspect that, as in my country, in Venezuela, the government may not like you to cash out in dollars and might impose high commissions. The truth is that many people play on PokerStars, and I know that there is buying and selling of money within the platform through informal transfers. I've never used this method, but considering the complex situation there, I thought it was worth mentioning, beyond whether it is right or wrong.
 
Pokerpoet2

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How can I know when you are ready to invest money in poker?
Short Answer- You don't!
Either I am very Lucky or very talented, because I have never deposited on any poker site, I have built some small but playable Bankrolls, from Freerolls and used my winnings wisely to build those Bankrolls, The only time I use my own money to play Poker is when I visit the Pub once a week or a Casino on a rare occasion, but even then I am still in profit, If Poker was costing me money, I would give it up!
 
Funtast

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How can I know when you are ready to invest money in poker?
1. Measuring -> get data
2. Calculating -> get winrates
3. Evaluating -> get answers
Play freerolls and collect your results as data. After some hundreds of freerolls you can calculate your winrates. (Assume that buyin = prizepool/participants + 5% rake)
If you have 20%+ ROI you can try to play for realmoney.
 
dreamer13

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A good player will need several hours to
earn a net profit equal to the average size of the bank.The winning player earns money on your opponent’s mistakes, which, in fact, are not that many.It won't be difficult for you guess what to play poker with the hope of making quick money money is absolutely meaningless.
 
CataRouillet

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I think that when you are winning regularly in freerolls and you already know how to maintain a bankroll you can invest something.
 
Poker Orifice

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How can I know when you are ready to invest money in poker?

The same day you choose to begin playing.

I began playing online poker in 2007. I deposited $175 to Fulltilt Poker & $150 to Pokerstars. My only regret is that I wish I'd started sooner!

Something one should accept when getting involved with playing poker>>> it costs money to learn this game. Consider it an investment in a poker playing education. Stay at the low buyins until you gain experience & of course there is all kinds of learning material that you can use... and should use if you want to become a winning player.
 
LaNimmer

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As soon as you can afford to lose whatever you deposit!
 
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