Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Become a Professional Poker Player

The journey from amateur to Professional Poker playing

Often I get asked – what makes a poker player a professional one? And my usual answer is – there isn’t any magic component of a list of rules to live by that will turn you into a professional poker player. Each person is unique and each of us usually has a different starting point. Some of us played since they were three years old, and some of us played for the first time in their twenties. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the first out of the two above will play better than the one will less years of experience; it just means that the path these two people will need to take on their journey of becoming a professional poker player is different.

Should I buy a ‘Learn how to play pro Poker’ book?

Well, this really depends on whether you are the type of person who usually manages to learn from books. If you are, than yes, defiantly buy a book. ‘Poker lessons and tips’ or ‘Poker for beginners’ books are an excellent way of improving your technique. There are many professional poker players who are willing to share their experience in order to earn extra cash from books selling. On the other hand, If you never had a good connection with books, don’t start with poker books. Enjoying the game will not turn you over night into an enthusiastic reader and will not give you the sadden ability to learn out of books.

Should I participate in poker forums?

Poker forums are a great way to get some answers for question or indecisions you may have for how to handle yourself in certain situations when you’re playing a poker game or a Texas Holdem tournament. The popular forums might even provide you with an almost instant answer to any question. Generally forums are a great example of the internet global community and how people enjoy helping one another if they can. Poker isn’t different in that way and you’ll always find someone that can and will answer your question.

Should I play in real money poker games?

Real money poker games are a great way to get you toughened up and turn your amateur gaming to a more professional one. When real money is involved you tend to be more careful with your decisions. Of course, you shouldn’t start playing with real money till you’ve played some free online poker games. There’s no point in jumping into the deep water till you’ve at least learn how to swim, or at least master the movements you need to do in order to prevent yourself from drowning. Free poker games are available in many forms. Two major ones are: free flash games, usually can be found in free games sites and the free games that are available in all major online poker rooms that offer real money poker games.