Advice for Pursuing a Professional Poker Career

Poker Career Tips:

1. Choose A Format That Works for You
2. Set Yourself Up Financially
3. Understand Downswing
4. Coping with Downswings
5. How to Fix Things
6. What About Staking?
7. Striking a Balance in Work, Personal Life, and Relationships

Many of us become captivated by poker, whether it's from watching the latest World Series of Poker highlights on ESPN, or discovering thrilling poker content on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. The allure comes from its exciting and dynamic nature.

It might not just be the astonishing amounts of money exchanged in glamorous casinos or the allure of raking in massive tournament chips under the bright lights of television. It's also the thrilling challenge of engaging in intense mental battles, outsmarting opponents, and proving one's superiority at the table.

We're often enticed by the idea of traveling the world while playing a game we love and the liberty that potentially comes with a career in poker.

And why wouldn't we be? The appeal is undeniable: no supervisor hovering over you, no annoying morning alarms, no uninspiring 9-to-5 grind. There's no oppressive work culture, no restricted lunch hours, and no toxic coworkers. It's just you, your strategy, and some cards to play with.

Take a sneak peek into the life of a high-stakes player as 888poker dives into the motivating journey of their ambassador, Dominik Nitsche:

Falling in Love with The Dream

We start to dream big: How difficult can it really be? We remember winning against our closest friends during a chaotic game after a night out; we were certainly not at our best then - clearly, we have a natural flair! Just think of the heights we could achieve with some dedication...

So, you go ahead and fund your gambling account, setting your sights high. The next destination? Las Vegas and a shot at the final table of the World Series of Poker...

Well not quite..

However, the truth is that while the initial excitement might fuel your ambition, many quickly realize how unrealistic this fantasy can be. Much like new relationships, it begins with intense excitement, but as you delve deeper into the game, the initial thrill may fade, leading to a deeper appreciation for the intricate details that make it truly fulfilling.

You come to understand that achieving joy and success in poker isn’t just about initial thrills; it requires a commitment for the long haul. So, if you're hoping for a quick turnaround becoming a poker pro with a mindset oriented towards immediate gains, you're likely setting yourself up for disappointment. The reality is, for the majority, quick wins are not as straightforward or rewarding as they may seem.

While dreams ignite ambition, actual achievement hinges on remaining disciplined and focusing on the long-term journey.

That doesn't mean that the dream of poker is extinguished—quite the opposite. Stories abound, like that of John Hesp making waves at the 2018 WSOP Main Event, or of an unknown individual, possibly a German prodigy, transforming a mere $5 satellite entry into a whopping $300,000. Yet, the more you delve into the intricacies of poker, the more you realize how infrequent such dramatic victories occur. Achieving professional status in poker is a significant mountain to climb.

Reaching a level of proficiency in poker demands relentless effort, study, and practical experience, and you cannot afford to rush the process.

If you intend to play poker as your primary source of income, it's crucial to shed any unrealistic expectations. Ditch those whimsical aspirations in favor of thorough, strategic plans aimed at long-term progression. The ambition of reaching the summit of poker is indeed alive, but it's much more about the journey and consistent progression than merely achieving a single victory. You must shift your focus to an honest self-assessment of your current standing, identify areas for enhancement, and develop a clear strategy for improvement.

Chose A Format That Works for You

Have you ever watched a clown managing multiple spinning plates? It appears chaotic, right? That’s because it truly is! The more tasks we juggle, the less attention we can give to each one, ultimately diminishing our performance. The diversity of situations and the need for knowledge in various concepts complicate critical thinking and extend the time needed to master each area, as time must be distributed among them.

If your goal is to pursue full-time poker, the first decision you must make is which particular format of the game you wish to focus on. Different variations come with unique experiences and demand different skills, bankroll management, and time commitments.

I provide a comprehensive analysis of what the grind looks like for each poker variant here , which I highly recommend checking out, but here’s a brief overview for now:

Cash Games:

As far as online poker careers go, cash games Cash games generally provide a more stable and gradual path to making a living. You can anticipate fewer extreme fluctuations than in Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs) and enjoy a bit more flexibility in your schedule. You can enter and exit games based on their quality and your preferences, akin to slowly filling a bucket with a water pistol—steady and sure, but you’ll reach your goal eventually.

Moreover, cash games are often the most fiercely competitive format, with skill levels significantly increasing with higher stakes. Deeper stacks create a greater number of post-flop possibilities, and many would agree that mastering online cash games presents the greatest challenge of all. Particularly challenging are heads-up cash games, where there is nowhere to hide, and ranges can be widely varied.

Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)

These tournaments are by far the most unpredictable. Since much of your success in MTTs relates to your deeper placements, the fluctuations can be harsher than in any other poker format. Fortunately, the lure of a substantial payout, combined with deceptively enticing “career earnings” statistics, tends to attract many casual players. This often results in softer competition compared to other formats. However, it can be quite a mental strain, as you may find yourself losing many sessions while pursuing that major payout. Achieving any degree of consistency and controlling variance demands a significant bankroll. grind these games Thus, be prepared for some lengthy sessions, often extending beyond 15 hours, because leaving a tournament prematurely means losing your buy-in. Given the ups and downs, I often describe MTTs as the most challenging way to participate in poker. They can take a toll, both mentally and financially, but having battled through many MTTs myself, I can assure you, the thrill of winning a tournament is unmatched at any poker table.

Sit-and-Go tournaments fall somewhere in between these two forms: Similar to cash games, they require patience, precision, and ongoing study, but they also provide a level of freedom. Like MTTs, the swings can be harsher than those seen in cash games (depending on your type of Sit-and-Go), but this intensity is balanced by potentially greater rewards such as rakeback and bonuses, which can add up significantly over a month.

Sit & Go’s (SnGs):

Avoid the temptation to master every poker format right out of the gate. Before you consider transitioning to full-time play, it’s advisable to select one particular game to specialize in, as this will significantly ease your path to achieving and sustaining professional standards and to further improving your skills thereafter. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk emphasized this beautifully during his appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast in 2017:

"Identify what ignites your passion and if you’re fortunate enough to excel at it, dedicate yourself fully to it.\"

Set Yourself Up Financially

This figure might seem high, but being overly prepared will alleviate potential stress. It gives you the financial cushion to handle unexpected expenses, from car troubles to household repairs—or in my case, dealing with my overindulgence in donuts. Oh wait, let’s not dive into that right now!

In any case, there's no strict rule about how much cash you should have saved up. Honestly, if you have fewer responsibilities or are simply trying your luck (knowing you can easily return to a previous job if things don’t pan out), then you can take a more aggressive stance. For instance, saving around six months’ worth of expenses might suffice. The goal is to enable yourself to play poker without financial anxiety clouding your judgment.

Generally, people perform worse when under pressure. If you don’t believe me, ask my non-existent date from prom! Kidding aside, financial worries can create significant distractions that impair your ability to think clearly. As a poker player, your decision-making relies heavily on situational awareness and the capacity to analyze and interpret information efficiently. Therefore, operating under financial strain can be detrimental not only to your health but also to your performance at the tables and, ultimately, your financial outcomes.

From my own experiences growing up in a financially challenged single-parent household, I understand the stress financial issues can introduce into one’s life. Adding the pressure of knowing that your decisions directly influence your financial health only exacerbates the challenges, making it even more difficult to maintain a strong poker game and a positive mindset when you’re short on funds.

In some ways, achieving peak performance necessitates a peculiar form of financial detachment—an ability to dissociate from your results and concentrate solely on the choices you make. Ironically, this is often a skill that becomes easier to master with a solid financial buffer and/or, more importantly, ample experience.

Understand Downswing

Finding the Right Balance Between Work, Personal Life, and Relationships

Many of us first fall in love with poker while catching snippets of the latest World Series of Poker (WSOP) broadcasts on ESPN, or through engaging poker content we come across on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. The game captivates us with its thrilling atmosphere and dynamic nature.

It might not just be the jaw-dropping amounts of cash exchanging hands at high-end casinos or the allure of accumulating impressive stacks of tournament chips under the bright lights, but rather the thrilling challenge of engaging in intense mental battles, outsmarting opponents, and coming out on top. EV .

The idea of traveling the world while making a living from playing a game is undeniably appealing, along with the desire for complete personal and financial independence that accompanies it.

Coping with Downswings

Join 888poker as we delve into the life of a High Roller and explore the remarkable journey of 888poker ambassador, Dominik Nitsche:

We start daydreaming: How challenging could this really be? We reminisce about that time we defeated our three close friends during a tipsy game at Ryan's place after an eventful night; we were clueless back then – obviously, we have a natural talent! Just think how good we could be if we truly dedicated ourselves to it.

So, you decide to login to the cashier, make your first deposit, and set your sights really high. The next destination is Las Vegas, aiming for the prestigious WSOP final table.

In truth, while this dreamy aspiration fuels our initial enthusiasm for poker, most of us quickly realize how far-fetched it is. It’s somewhat similar to the beginning of a new romance. Initially, it feels exhilarating and full of passion, but as you learn more about the other person (or the game, in this case), the initial infatuation diminishes, and you start appreciating the intricate details that truly define the beauty of poker.

You come to understand that achieving joy and success requires long-term commitment, and if you think about it with a mindset focused on instant results, you’re likely setting yourself up for failure. The reality is that, regrettably, for most people, getting quick results isn't as straightforward or gratifying as it seems.

While aspirations ignite the journey, achieving success mandates a level-headed approach and a focus on long-term dedication.

This doesn’t mean that the poker dream is unattainable – quite the contrary. There are plenty of success stories out there – like John Hesp lighting up the 2018 WSOP Main Event, or the exhilarating online tales of an ordinary player (often from Germany, as they seem to excel!) converting a $5 satellite entry into a $300,000 victory. However, the more you dive into the world of poker, the clearer it becomes that such rapid successes are exceptionally rare. Attaining any professional status in poker is like scaling a mountain.

Reaching the professional level in poker requires immense determination, extensive study, and experience; this process can't be rushed.

How to Fix Things

Have you ever watched a clown skillfully spinning plates? It appears chaotic, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! The more tasks we attempt to juggle, the less effectively we can concentrate on each individual activity, which detracts from our overall performance. The increase in scenarios and relevant concepts can complicate critical thinking and prolong the time needed to excel in each area, given the necessity to allocate your time wisely.

If your goal is to play poker full-time, your first major decision should be determining which game format you want to pursue. Each variant presents a unique experience and different requirements in terms of skill sets, bankroll management, and schedules.

I provide an extensive, detailed explanation of what it’s like to engage in each format, which I encourage you to explore, but here’s a quick overview for now:

Cash games typically provide a more stable and gradual means of making a living. Expect to encounter less dramatic swings compared to multi-table tournaments (MTTs), along with a more adaptable schedule. You can enter and exit games based on your preferences and the quality of the games available. It’s somewhat akin to gradually filling a bucket from a medium distance with a water pistol – a slow but steady process that leads to success in the long run.

Moreover, cash games tend to be the most competitive poker variety, and the correlation between skill level and stakes is significant. Deeper stacks also lead to a greater number of possible post-flop scenarios, making online cash games particularly challenging to master. Heads-up cash games are notably demanding, as there’s nowhere to hide, and players must deal with the widest range of strategies.

These tournaments represent the most unpredictable form of poker. Since your success in MTTs is heavily reliant on how far you advance in them, the variance can be harsher than in other poker formats. Nevertheless, the allure of winning large sums of money (along with misleadingly attractive “tournament earnings” statistics) attracts numerous casual players, resulting in fields that are often softer than other poker formats. However, mentally, these tournaments can be quite taxing, as you may endure significant losses during many sessions while targeting that elusive big win. Furthermore, you’ll require one of the largest bankrolls to

but managing variance effectively demands a wide sample of hands.

What About Staking?

These tournaments fall somewhere between cash games and MTTs: Similar to cash games, Sit and Go tournaments (SnGs) require patience, precision, and study while also offering a degree of flexibility. Just like MTTs, the swings can be harsher than those in cash games (depending on the specific SnG type), but this is often counterbalanced by a higher potential for rakeback and bonuses, which can accumulate significantly over a month.

Avoid the temptation to excel in all formats right from the get-go. Before considering a full-time poker career, it’s wise to commit to a single game to focus on, as this will simplify reaching and sustaining professional proficiency and foster further improvement thereafter. As entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk wonderfully articulated during a Joe Rogan podcast in 2017: being staked “Identify what ignites your passion and [..], if you're fortunate enough to excel at what you love, develop an intense focus.”

Mastery is crucial – that’s the essence of achieving success.

Given the uncertainty in maintaining a consistent income as a poker player, it’s essential to have enough savings to cover living expenses for an extended duration before transitioning to professional play. The necessary amount largely hinges on the format of poker you intend to engage in, but personally, I would recommend having at least a year's worth of living expenses saved up (not factoring in your playing bankroll).

This figure might seem excessive, but having a safety net will alleviate potential stress. It provides you with extra resources for unanticipated expenses, be it a car repair, a malfunctioning boiler, or even an uncontrollable craving for Krispy Kreme donuts – but let's not dwell on that... Just ignore I mentioned it!

That said, there aren’t any strict guidelines regarding the amount of money needed as a cushion. Honestly, if you don’t have many responsibilities or if you’re simply trying it out (knowing you can return to a previous job if things don’t pan out), you could take a more aggressive approach – for instance, having six months' worth of living expenses might suffice. The primary goal is to feel secure enough to play poker without the financial burden affecting your ability to make sound decisions.

In general, individuals tend to underperform when faced with pressure. If you doubt me, just ask my high school prom date... Just kidding – I didn’t have one! On a serious note, the weight of financial anxieties can significantly impair your capacity to think clearly. As a poker player, your decisions depend heavily on accurately reading situations and processing information, which can be detrimental to your health, your performance, and ultimately your financial success.

Trust me; coming from a background where financial insecurity was prevalent, I’ve witnessed the toll that money problems can take. When your decisions directly influence your finances, it’s only logical that your quality of gameplay and state of mind can worsen if you’re underfunded.

So, you decide to fund your poker account, make your inaugural deposit, and set your sights on lofty dreams. Next destination: Las Vegas for the final table of the WSOP...

In truth, while such fantasies motivate us at the beginning of our poker adventures, most soon realize how far-fetched they often are. It’s somewhat similar to a new romance—there's an initial thrill and passion, but as we delve deeper (whether it's into a person or a game), the initial infatuation fades and we begin to appreciate the subtle beauties and complexities that make the experience truly rewarding.

You come to understand that your joy and achievements hinge on a long-term commitment; so if you’re banking on achieving it all in one go, you are likely setting yourself up for failure. The cold reality is that for the majority, seeking a quick solution is rarely straightforward or fulfilling. here Inspiration sparks the journey, yet attaining success requires a steady focus and a commitment to a longer horizon.

However, this doesn’t mean that the poker dream is out of reach; not at all. Stories thrive—like that of John Hesp dominating the 2018 WSOP Main Event or the countless online tales of individuals (often German, as if their skills are a gift!) turning a mere $5 satellite entry into a $300,000 fortune. Nevertheless, the more you immerse yourself in poker, the clearer it becomes how infrequent such sudden success is. Striving to become a professional poker player is itself a monumental task.

Achieving success takes immense dedication, thorough study, and invaluable experience, and this process can't be hurried.

Good luck!