12 Steps to Becoming a Professional Poker Player

Gambling.com Editor

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 which 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, , you can develop enough edge in your game to consider the professional circuit.

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. Study all available books, articles and guides about poker, the different variants, the rules, and strategies for winning.

2. Know The Rules

   Get the basics right or forget about it. Study, learn, apply and repeat until they are second nature to you. Master this before thinking about moving to the next step, which is to play the game for money or practice

3. Practice to Get Experience

   Reading and learning is crucial, but you have to get experience in the poker arena to really develop an edge to your game. Playing poker online for real money against real opponents is the best way to learn about the game. This is the space you want to be in anyway, so it is best to get stuck in and get any early mistakes out of the way before taking it a step further. 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 win every game and it is best to save yourself a lot of money by playing only those hands which give you the best chance of winning.

5. Learn How and When to Bluff

   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 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, make sure it is the right time to use it.

6. Stay Alert

   Be aware of what is happening around the table. It is essential to know where you stand and to gauge the mood of your opponents. Observe body language, mannerisms and keep an eye out for repeat moves. All of these will indicate the likely actions that your opponents will make. Some small observations can give you a fair idea about your chances of winning.

7. Manage 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 be determined by your skill level and your budget. Avoid high stakes betting when you are still learning the game. Stick to the smaller stake tables until you have a sufficient level of practice to move to the next level.

8. Choose 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 so don't hesitate to experiment until you find one you have a particular flair for . You may only become an expert at one or two games, but this is usually enough for you to make money.

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 develop the kind of knowledge and experience you need to become good at it.

10. Play Responsibly

    While it is necessary to play on a regular basis, it is important to play responsibly. Make sure that you always play within your limits. Respect the rules, observe best practice and always stick to your bankroll. Discipline is crucial if you want to really make it as a professional poker player.

11. Avoid Emotion

    Gambling, when you are not in the right frame of mind, will almost always result in losses. Poker hands do not recognize moods and emotions, they do not care what is happening in your life. Keep a clear head, always remained detached and analytical and stick to your pre-game rules. There is no place for emotion or recklessness in professional poker.

12. Know When To Quit

    Good professional poker players always know when to walk away. Sometimes it is just not your night, that is just how it goes. The idea of breaking even, to get back all the money you have lost in a game, can be very tempting. Good bankroll management and strong game discipline will help you maintain balance as you try to become a professional poker player.