Can you play 1/2 NL professionally?

**Crusherrr** · 03-19-18, 10:37 AM

Online yes. Live no chance. Best you can do is $15-$20 an hour in perfect game conditions. I'd never play live poker for a living with the miserable people you see in the poker rooms.

**RudyRuetigger** · 03-19-18, 11:22 AM

sure

THETROOPER does it all the time

and hes not even a winning player

**MRivera42** · 03-19-18, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by Crusherrr

Online yes. Live no chance. Best you can do is $15-$20 an hour in perfect game conditions. I'd never play live poker for a living with the miserable people you see in the poker rooms.

yes tough way to make a living but i still wanna try it

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 03-19-18, 12:46 PM

Only live once. Why not try it? Report back w/ your results.

I think most would say that poker is an old game. In that regard, it's largely a SOLVED game. In 2018, there is a feeling that most players are of similar skill-level.

Most competent players know starting ranges and basic strategy. How will you play differently? Specifically...how can you carve out a few extra units? Anybody can catch cards + look smart. I think the big thing is how you adjust to opponent and play accordingly.

**Ian** · 03-19-18, 01:47 PM

I've done it when my bankroll is low. If you live cheap it's definitely doable, although not necessarily easy. $20/hour is about the top end of what you can make from live 1/2, but to do that you'll have to buy in deep and either play in soft games or aggressively promo whore... and play well. IMO the toughest part for a good player is just putting in the hours without burning out.

**doylebrinson** · 03-20-18, 07:44 PM

Yes, it is possible.

**pabonaparte** · 03-20-18, 10:54 PM

Originally posted by Ian

I've done it when my bankroll is low. If you live cheap it's definitely doable, although not necessarily easy. $20/hour is about the top end of what you can make from live 1/2, but to do that you'll have to buy in deep and either play in soft games or aggressively promo whore... and play well. IMO the toughest part for a good player is just putting in the hours without burning out.

... and/or resorting to stimulants, gambling on casino games etc etc etc

**Enkhbat** · 03-20-18, 11:29 PM

I think it is possible, ballaholic does it.

**shari91** · 03-21-18, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by MRivera42

yes tough way to make a living but i still wanna try it

I wouldn't quit your day job just yet but yeah I know of a few people who are doing it. They're not living large though so you might want to take that into consideration depending on the lifestyle you're used to.

**Greenline** · 03-21-18, 10:44 AM

You can if you have 4 roommates and don't like food.

**littlekona** · 03-21-18, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by MRivera42

yes tough way to make a living but i still wanna try it

your better off multi table grinding 10+ tables in sit n goes I'd say....or drop down to .25/.5 or less and MT as 1/2 online plays more like 2/5 live....with rakeback its very possible if you have discipline to handle 8-10 Hours a day of that

**Sam Losco** · 03-21-18, 11:07 AM

ask steve k

**RisingDough** · 03-22-18, 03:46 AM

A good 1/2 player playing full time should be able to make 30-40k a year while a good 2/5 nl player should be able to make 80-100k so just depends on what you need to "make a living"? Also playing poker for a living has other perks such as a sense of freedom and casino comps, etc. You can travel the country or even the world and find the game being played live or online!

Most important things are make sure you have a proper bankroll and make sure you are honest with yourself regarding your skill level. Always schedule time to study the game and improve. You need the right type of personality as well. If you are prone to tilting or if you have life leaks like drugs, alcohol, - ev gambling then its not for you.

I'd focus on your diet and health as well. Sitting in a casino for 8-10 hours a day isn't the best thing for your body/health.

Let me know if you have any questions!

RD