12 Steps to Becoming a Professional Poker Player

Contributor

June 20th, 2013

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Poker is perhaps the most exciting and lucrative game that attracts gamblers. For one, it is a game of skill and offers plenty of chances to win. Secondly, it is a popular game with a number of tournaments and competitions, at different levels, where players can win big cash prizes. If you want to enjoy the rewards of gambling at a professional level, you need to put in a lot of effort and time. With the right amount of practice and experience, even the weakest of poker players can turn into successful professionals.

Here are 12 steps, which can help you play like a professional poker player:

1. Research And Understand The Game

   If you are new to the world of poker, or gambling in general, the first step is to learn all that you can about the game and how to play it. The internet is filled with informative guides and articles about different poker variants, the rules, and strategies for winning.

2. Know The Rules And Play Fair

   Playing without knowing the rules will be of no use when you want to become an expert in the game. Once you understand the rules, fair and unfair, and get an idea about how to play the game, you can move on to the next step, which is to play the game for money or practice.

3. Practice For The Real Games

   A sophisticated game of poker cannot be mastered with theory. While reading about it can give you a fair idea of the game, actually playing helps you get an insight into the game and the strategies that are used in it. So if possible, buy a play-money poker set and practice the game with your friends or family. Alternatively, you can play practice poker games that are offered by numerous online gambling sites.

4. Play Only Winning Hands

   An important step to becoming a professional poker player is knowing which hands to play and when to fold. Avoid trying to play every hand, and don’t try too hard to win. You cannot possibly win all the games you play; therefore, you would save yourself a lot of money by playing the right hands.

5. Bluffing

   Bluffing is a poker strategy that works only when you know how and when to use it. Professional poker players use this strategy sparingly, but when they do, they usually succeed. Novice players, on the other hand, don't use it correctly and end up losing. The beginners tend to use this strategy a little too much, and at times when there is no need for it. So before you try this strategy, be sure to learn all about it and avoid overusing it.

6. Stay Alert

   Be aware of what is happening around the table. It is essential to know where you stand. While you may not be able to see the other players’ cards, being observant of the other cards and players’ behavior can leave you with a fair idea about your chances of winning.

7. Managing Your Bankroll

   Bankroll management is one of the key things that you need to know in order to play at a professional level. The tables you choose and the stakes you want to play should depend on your skill level and your budget. It is best to avoid playing with high stakes in the beginning, when you are still learning the game. Also, playing at smaller stake tables, like the £2/4 tables, will enable you to practice more, while keeping the losses to a minimum.

8. Choosing The Right Games

   Texas Hold'em may be the most popular game out there, but it is not necessarily the only one that all poker players are good at. There are different poker variants you can try your hand at. You will only become an expert at one or two when you consider your weaknesses and strengths.

9. Play Consistently

   If you want to reach the professional level in gambling, you should play the game consistently with the skills and the strategies you have learned. Playing the game regularly, irrespective of your wins and losses, will help you get acquainted with it and play better.

10. Play Responsibly

    While it is necessary to play on a regular basis, it is important to play responsibly, if you want to continue playing. Make sure that you always play within your limits. The chance of you getting addicted and overspending while playing poker, are very high.

11. Don’t Play Emotionally

    Gambling, when you are not in the right frame of mind, will almost always result in losses. Avoid playing poker when you are drunk, in a bad mood, or at any time when you just cannot think straight or stay alert.

12. Knowing When To Quit

    The idea of breaking even, to get back all the money you have lost in a game, can be very tempting. But knowing when to stop, especially after a series of losses, can save you from bankruptcy.