How to Become a Professional Poker Player in 8 Steps

You have decided that you want to dedicate your life to poker, but you don’t know how to start? Today, when online gambling sites are available from any part of the world, becoming a poker pro is much easier than it used to be. We have created a guide on how to become a professional poker player in 8 steps.

1. Get started

You wouldn’t become a professional poker player once you win a tournament or get a huge winning. The main difference between an amateur and a professional player is that they have different levels of commitment. Being a professional also means treating yourself like a professional. If you have already decided that poker is your passion and you want to make living playing it, start treating poker like a full-time job. You should decide, how much money and time you are ready to spend in order to support your undertaking. Once you have calculated your ideal lifestyle costs, start saving money. Additional funds will allow you to quit your 5/2 job and spend your most valuable resource on poker – your time.

2. Plan your day

There are 168 hours in a week, and if you sleep 8 hours per day, you are already out of 56 hours. A full-time job usually takes around 50 hours weekly, and you will need to rest and maintain yourself in the meantime. Therefore, it is not possible to combine an office job with a professional poker player lifestyle. However, if you are not ready to give up your job financially, try to consider part-time options, or use your time to make and save money. Remember, the more time you dedicate, the more income you will get in the future.

3. Make a choice

There is a vast variety of poker games available and it’s simply impossible to master them all. You should pick a format you like, based on your preferences and strengths. For instance, if you are able to stay concentrated for a long period of time, you should try multi-table tournaments or MTTs. If you prefer shorter sessions and a more flexible schedule, pick games of cash. Each type of a game requires its own strategies, so before you start researching something, stick to a certain format.

4. Research, research, and research

Even top-class poker players always continue advancing their techniques and strategies. Dedicate your free time to filling knowledge gaps and enhancing your tactics – there always is room for improvement. Nowadays, there is an unlimited variety of sources you can use to study at home. Poker books, websites, YouTube videos, forums, and podcasts – everyone will be able to find a suitable format for themselves. Studying gambling strategies, rules, and terminology will help you to gain necessary insights and boost your skills faster.

5. Chose the online poker site

Nowadays, most of the professional poker players play online. Playing remotely is not only much easier in terms of flexibility and time management but also allows you to play from any part of the world. It might be hard to choose a suitable option, especially considering the number of online casino sites in the US. Make sure you monitor online directories and try to limit your options to the most generous sites with the fast cash-out. The US residents can play poker online on Intertops Poker and Juicy Stakes.

6. Apply your knowledge

As Kant once said, “theory without practice is empty; practice without theory is blind”. Learning how to apply your knowledge is probably one of the most important steps on the list. The best way to get started is to start practicing in an online casino. Online gambling sites in the US offer a huge variety of poker games. However, at the beginning try to target free tables and tournaments. For example, Intertops Poker offers 7 freerolls with a guaranteed $600 prize pool daily. If you prefer a real-life practice, you can also play with your friends or family members.

7. Don’t cheap out on your investments

There is a mistake that a lot of newcomers do –  they immediately withdraw their winnings, leaving a small initial bankroll for the next game. Being a professional poker player is not only a full-time job but also a business investment. Obviously, you will have to study and work hard before you will be ready for a big game. But the money you win is a dividend from your investments.

Additional money means additional funds, so don’t hesitate to use it. Of course, an increase in investments is associated with the transition to a more expensive game. However, if you are willing to make progress and gain new experience, this is going to be an essential step in your career. Just keep moving forward and it will eventually increase your profit.

8. Always look forward

Playing online poker will not be easy in terms of concentration, and discipline. Even a real-life poker game can last up to 10 hours. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle can simply cause back problems. In order to keep a good mental and physical health, make sure you equip your working space and get proper rest.

Conclusion

And finally, let’s talk about the perks of being a poker pro. First and foremost, you can manage your own time and work schedule. Your income will depend on the work and rest cycle you set up. Furthermore, poker celebrities are acknowledged internationally. But most importantly, what can be better than doing what you love full-time?

And if you decided to make the first steps today, check out our review on Intertops Poker.

You can learn more about Intertops Poker here.