How To Become A Poker Pro

Becoming a poker pro is a dream of many poker players, but one only a small percentage ever achieve. Some are doomed to failure right out of the gate and some last for a few months and then run out of steam. To become a successful poker pro often requires a sensible, systematic, disciplined approach.

The Disciplined Approach to Becoming a Poker Pro

The disciplined approach means not jumping into the biggest poker games you can find and trying to run over every table. Rather, it means determining what your bankroll is and choosing stakes based on the size of your bankroll. It also means tracking your results for many months and assuring yourself that you are a consistent winner before quitting your day job.

Pitfalls of an Undisciplined Approach to Becoming a Poker Pro

Being a poker pro means having no safety net. A number of professionals kept at least a part time job for a year or more while trying to make it as a poker pro, just in case things didn’t work out. If you go broke, the only way to rebuild your stake is to get another job or borrow money, both of which can be unpleasant prospects. Remember also that when you are a pro, you have to not only cover the variance of the game with your bankroll, you have to pay your expenses out of that bankroll too. This can create an added level of pressure that many affect your game to such an extent that you cannot play your best.

Secret to the Disciplined Approach

There really is no secret to the disciplined approach other than you have to stick to it. There may be many temptations to try to jump into a bigger game or to start your pro career before you are ready. Doing this is a recipe for failure. In addition, you have to accept that you just might not be good enough. All the discipline in the world will not help you if you do not have the skills to succeed at poker. If you do though, discipline can provide the way.