Have you thought about going pro in the world of poker? If you have become curious about this lately, here are a few things to know on the road to accomplishing this feat.
The Skills Needed for Poker Success
Unlike casino products, poker gets recognized as a game of skill (legally as well). In gaming choices, players can implement various approaches, but these can only slightly lower the advantage of the party supplying them. In gaming options found at land-based venues and online, operators always have an edge via chance-based gameplay because this has been built into those gambling machines/software. In poker, a player competes against others at his table, and who comes out on top is a blend of quality decision-making and circumstance.
It goes without saying that for someone to be successful in poker, they must be tactical. They must learn how to soak in its nuances, as this is a game where one has to make choices based on info that does not tell the whole story. Accordingly, odds must be calculated for triumph, and competitors’ spotted tells must be factored in. These are subtle cues that provide insight into someone’s thought processes. Learning everything about mathematical probability will also be super beneficial, along with developing emotional control under intense pressure.
Fortifying the Right Mindset
A powerful sports car needs a good driver. Connecting to the final point of the last paragraph of the subheading above, having the right skills means something if they can be used correctly. That begins with accepting ups and downs, an unavoidable part of any gambling form.
A more than decent book on this subject is Ross Edgley’s The Art of Resilience. It has nothing to do with gambling, as its author is a swimmer, but its building focuses on mental strength and stoicism. Retired Navy SEAL Mark Divine’s Unbeatable Mind is another good pick.
Poker is a contest of opportunities. Hence, it asks for loads of patience. Those who wish to be successful have to wait their turn to pounce once they identify a clear opening. That is an attribute that most star players have. Furthermore, remaining positive is another trait that all should cultivate. It goes a long way in staying motivated when things go south, which they often do, seemingly at a whim.
For many, mental toughness is just an inherent characteristic. That said, it can be cultivated by those who choose to train themselves to let little affect them and keep plowing away. In 2024, as the WSOP Main Event updates rolled in, we witnessed Jonathan Tamayo display such mental fortitude en route to his $10 million first-place finish, something few saw coming.
Turning Yourself into a Valuable Brand
Please be aware that if you have not mastered poker at a high level, the chances of continuously turning a profit year in and year out via this hobby or profession are not very good. Thus, creating alternative revenue avenues is mandatory.
Building a professional site that acts as your brand’s center point is a given, as is having profiles on top social media platforms. On these, you show off achievements and elements that lend you credibility. Then comes Twitch or Kick streaming sessions, posting vlogs on YouTube, and joining various forums where you shall shamelessly promote yourself.
Remember to engage audiences by giving them something they cannot find elsewhere. Focus on maintaining a certain degree of professionalism and following trends. That last bit is paramount for platform algorithms.
Learning from Others & Networking
Networking is vital in any field these days. The right people open the right doors. Online communities are terrific places where gamblers can collaborate and grow together through sharing. By this, we refer to social media platforms, discussion boards, Telegram/Discord channels, and the like.
That said, in terms of meeting people who can supply opportunities, nothing beats attending live events. Going to any WSOP, EPT, or WPT tournament that gets highly touted is an excellent avenue for building connections or just mingling with seasoned pros who may be open to offering quick mentorship. That can come in the form of how to be better in cards and balance prosperity in this landscape with life in general. You never know who has sage wisdom to share.
Online courses are decent educational resources for total novices, and even Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey have multi-hour MasterClasses available where they discuss tips and mechanics of the game. However, non-so-high-profile players have cheaper and much more in-depth curriculums on platforms like Udemy that are worth exploring.
In terms of events, other casual players thinking about taking things up a notch should visit the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, the Irish Open, contests from the Triton Super High Roller Series, the Big One for One Drop in Vegas, the Battle of Malta for European low-rollers, and the Aussie Millions for those living or visiting the most beautiful part of the Southern Hemisphere.
