Countdown to becoming a poker pro....

**mpaschal34** · 04-01-18, 09:37 AM

This has been the dream of MANY, but few have succeeded. I wish you the best of luck.

**Greenline** · 04-01-18, 12:06 PM

What are your current debts and what's your roll? There is a massive difference between being a professional poker player and being someone who doesn't work and plays poker for money.

**Auto Donk** · 04-01-18, 12:40 PM

all poker pros I have encountered in vegas always have these to vital additions to their professional poker routine:

**Ballerholic** · 04-02-18, 03:03 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

This has been the dream of MANY, but few have succeeded. I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks Paschal! I know it isn't the most feasible career choice, but at least I'll have my degree behind me and I'm still young.

Originally posted by Greenline

What are your current debts and what's your roll? There is a massive difference between being a professional poker player and being someone who doesn't work and plays poker for money.

Thanks Greenline, that is something I really need to figure out. Basically I probably won't be playing too much between now and when I finish exams. I am thinking I should have around a $1k poker BR in June, and then when July comes around after some income from outside sources come in, I am hoping to have around a $3k BR.

Originally posted by Auto Donk

all poker pros I have encountered in vegas always have these to vital additions to their professional poker routine:

HAHAHAHA. I don't think my GF would be too happy....but we'll see!

**RisingDough** · 04-02-18, 05:25 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

**Greenline** · 04-02-18, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by Ballerholic

I am thinking I should have around a $1k poker BR in June, and then when July comes around after some income from outside sources come in, I am hoping to have around a $3k BR.

$3k isn't enough of a roll for NL50 online if it's going to be your sole source of income.

**GaryDN** · 04-02-18, 03:15 PM

Ok, wake up, it's only a dream !!! Wake up, Hey ! Just listen to Frank Sinatra's song, MY Way !! That is all you have to do !!! Dublin was no exactly the place for Old Blue eyes but he sort of led the same old story !! Just look at the Vegas history and the school of hard knocks in Hoboken, NJ LOL ! Good luck pal !

**Optional** · 04-02-18, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by RisingDough

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!

This is what appeals to me about the idea. Not being #1 or spending 80hrs a week grinding, but being good enough to travel the world and play tournies and know I can earn enough to finance that.

Can make a living in other ways that fits in with the travel.

**cincinnatikid513** · 04-02-18, 05:30 PM

keep the girlfriend/wife happy playing poker alot means less time with her

**Ballerholic** · 04-04-18, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by RisingDough

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

Thanks for the input RD! I will pretty much only be focusing on online poker at least until the end of the year. I plan to be traveling a lot once I can build up my BR/life roll and playing from all over. I agree with health/fitness, especially when grinding up to 8 hours a day just sitting in a chair at home can also be taxing.

Originally posted by Greenline

$3k isn't enough of a roll for NL50 online if it's going to be your sole source of income.

I agree it is not the ideal amount and I would much rather 100-200, but for starting out I think 60 buyins is okay. If 50NL doesn't go well, I can still grind 25NL and get by.

Originally posted by GaryDN

Ok, wake up, it's only a dream !!! Wake up, Hey ! Just listen to Frank Sinatra's song, MY Way !! That is all you have to do !!! Dublin was no exactly the place for Old Blue eyes but he sort of led the same old story !! Just look at the Vegas history and the school of hard knocks in Hoboken, NJ LOL ! Good luck pal !

Haha ummm ok...Thanks?

Originally posted by Optional

This is what appeals to me about the idea. Not being #1 or spending 80hrs a week grinding, but being good enough to travel the world and play tournies and know I can earn enough to finance that.

Can make a living in other ways that fits in with the travel.

Yea this is what motivates me to do this as well. I also think there is a lot of money to be made still and that there will be another boom. I do want poker to be my overall job at least for the next 10 years, but I plan to start a business this summer and then open another one hopefully beginning of next year at the latest. Poker is a means to making some quick cash in which a regular job would not be able to do that at the moment.

Originally posted by cincinnatikid513

keep the girlfriend/wife happy playing poker alot means less time with her

Yea haha this is probably the best advice. The only good thing I'll say is that we are both motivated to grind a lot right now, but I can definitely see this becoming an issue.

**Enkhbat** · 04-04-18, 06:18 AM

I think it is important to have something to fall back on when you have a extended period of downswing. Maybe get good at sportsbetting or something.

**Triple_D_Bet** · 04-06-18, 03:04 AM

In addition to concerns raised above, 220 hours a month online is way too much. Especially when starting out, you're not going to be playing your best for that long. My first month I struggled to play well over 160 hours, and I cut back significantly (and profitably) afterwards.

Online definitely gives a lot of freedom, and it's hard to say don't do it when plenty of us have done it for exactly those reasons. However, the game is harder now and it's quite possibly not worth it...if you get good enough to reliably beat even NL50 for decent money, you're probably better off just hammering casinos and home games.

Assuming you're going to school for a profitable job, taking that job is probably even better...if you're smart enough to make pennies in poker, you're smart enough to make dollars in a job, business, or investing. Try the grind for a bit if you'd like, adds some good life experience and stories...but try to keep in mind that it's almost certainly not the best thing you can do in life. I got into live poker over the last year and it's been fun and as profitable as can be expected, but it's nothing compared to my job or business.

**Ballerholic** · 04-12-18, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by Enkhbat

I think it is important to have something to fall back on when you have a extended period of downswing. Maybe get good at sportsbetting or something.

Definitely agree here. I plan to have other revenue of income besides poker. Ideally I will be doing some poker coaching and then hopefully can make some betting sports.

Originally posted by Triple_D_Bet

In addition to concerns raised above, 220 hours a month online is way too much. Especially when starting out, you're not going to be playing your best for that long. My first month I struggled to play well over 160 hours, and I cut back significantly (and profitably) afterwards.
Online definitely gives a lot of freedom, and it's hard to say don't do it when plenty of us have done it for exactly those reasons. However, the game is harder now and it's quite possibly not worth it...if you get good enough to reliably beat even NL50 for decent money, you're probably better off just hammering casinos and home games.

Assuming you're going to school for a profitable job, taking that job is probably even better...if you're smart enough to make pennies in poker, you're smart enough to make dollars in a job, business, or investing. Try the grind for a bit if you'd like, adds some good life experience and stories...but try to keep in mind that it's almost certainly not the best thing you can do in life. I got into live poker over the last year and it's been fun and as profitable as can be expected, but it's nothing compared to my job or business.

Yea 220 hours is definitely going to be a grind which is why I need to condition myself to do so. Being physically and mentally fit should help a lot. A lot of the pros today, and even back in the day were easily doing these numbers. If I want to become one then I will have to as well.

I think online is still very profitable from looking at my coaches graphs and what not. Also the money is tax free and of course the life style is very attractive. The goal is to obviously move up to higher stakes as soon as possible, but I think the grind should be a lot easier as I can play on US sites as well and that player pool is not the greatest.

Yea I can apply for a job straight away, but out here in Ireland the pay for business jobs are so poor. I'm talking $2,000 a month. Also, you are worked hard and what not, I know it's a good foundation for your career to take off, but if I can make more playing poker, having fun, and eventually start a business I would prefer this. A lot of my friends complain about the work/pay. Again, I'm really just giving this a shot for the year.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-12-18, 06:19 AM

are you worried about living at girlfriend's parents house and them looking down on you for grinding poker all day? I'm thinking they won't be thrilled about it and things could get uncomfortable after awhile?

**mpaschal34** · 04-12-18, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

are you worried about living at girlfriend's parents house and them looking down on you for grinding poker all day? I'm thinking they won't be thrilled about it and things could get uncomfortable after awhile?

After awhile = two weeks

**5mike5** · 04-12-18, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

are you worried about living at girlfriend's parents house and them looking down on you for grinding poker all day? I'm thinking they won't be thrilled about it and things could get uncomfortable after awhile?

id be uncomfortable night #1

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-12-18, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

After awhile = two weeks

Originally posted by 5mike5

id be uncomfortable night #1

agreed guys...I wish Baller the best but this plan has some holes in it.

**sammygran** · 04-12-18, 08:56 AM

Pro Poker

The best times to try things is when your young, Get it out of your system or you'll be thinking coulda woulda shoulda........The best of luck to you.

**snapperman2** · 04-12-18, 10:56 PM

I seriously think you should find a job in your field, even at $2000/month. Then you can build your poker bankroll on weekends playing poker without much pressure. There are a number of risks involved in becoming a poker pro now: 1. You don't really know whether you can earn enough, because you don't have a long enough track record of winning money. 2. Your poker bank roll isn't big enough to cover a run of bad luck. 3. If you are not working at a regular job for a couple of years, you will forget stuff from your courses and companies will be reluctant to hire you for a job in your field. 4. Poker could become unprofitable in the future due to players improving, loss of interest in poker, the government banning poker, etc. But good luck with whatever you decide to do.

**Optional** · 04-13-18, 01:56 AM

He's been planning for it so long I think he has to give it a go if the opportunity is there.

And deal with the consequences as they come up.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-13-18, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by snapperman2

I seriously think you should find a job in your field, even at $2000/month. Then you can build your poker bankroll on weekends playing poker without much pressure. There are a number of risks involved in becoming a poker pro now: 1. You don't really know whether you can earn enough, because you don't have a long enough track record of winning money. 2. Your poker bank roll isn't big enough to cover a run of bad luck. 3. If you are not working at a regular job for a couple of years, you will forget stuff from your courses and companies will be reluctant to hire you for a job in your field. 4. Poker could become unprofitable in the future due to players improving, loss of interest in poker, the government banning poker, etc. But good luck with whatever you decide to do.

good points here, snapper...

**reigle9** · 04-13-18, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by sammygran

The best times to try things is when your young, Get it out of your system or you'll be thinking coulda woulda shoulda........The best of luck to you.

I would've killed to be a poker player at 21 and would've killed it but didn't have the means.

Did it at 31, but just didn't have the desire. Players got infinity better over those 10 years and I had to drink the entire time at the table to keep from murder/suicide.

I wish there would be another poker boom with new naive players, but I just don't see it happening. Young people are too busy with nonsense like coming up with new ways for things to be racist and offended about.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-13-18, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by reigle9

I would've killed to be a poker player at 21 and would've killed it but didn't have the means.

Did it at 31, but just didn't have the desire. Players got infinity better over those 10 years and I had to drink the entire time at the table to keep from murder/suicide.

I wish there would be another poker boom with new naive players, but I just don't see it happening. Young people are too busy with nonsense like coming up with new ways for things to be racist and offended about.

the average no limit player these days is pretty good, harder to grind out a living. People might be better served picking a different variation and learning inside and out(PLO, stud,mixed games etc etc).

**slikec** · 04-13-18, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by reigle9

I would've killed to be a poker player at 21 and would've killed it but didn't have the means.

Saying you would've killed to be a poker player but didnt have the means is really hard to understand. If you really had so strong desire is really hard to imagine you couldnt save up few bucks to get started.

**reigle9** · 04-13-18, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by slikec

Saying you would've killed to be a poker player but didnt have the means is really hard to understand. If you really had so strong desire is really hard to imagine you couldnt save up few bucks to get started.

you need slightly more than "a few bucks" to move to jersey, pay all your bills, and have a healthy br...good luck with that at 21

i don't even understand how your post is a thing

**Ballerholic** · 04-14-18, 03:50 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

are you worried about living at girlfriend's parents house and them looking down on you for grinding poker all day? I'm thinking they won't be thrilled about it and things could get uncomfortable after awhile?

Haha yes this is definitely something that I was/am currently very concerned about. At the moment her parents think I will be doing article writing, website promotion, etc. I am doing these things for a poker website that is currently trying to get things started, but that is only going to be side income. So no, the parents do not know I will be playing like 200 hours a week lol. I don't think I can tell them I'm playing poker until I have a series of months where I actually have a lot of success.

Originally posted by sammygran

The best times to try things is when your young, Get it out of your system or you'll be thinking coulda woulda shoulda........The best of luck to you.

Thanks man, yea I agree. It could be a fad or not, but I'll always wonder what if and especially if I had a job now. I also want to travel a lot as I'm still young and this is one of the best jobs to be able to do so.

Originally posted by snapperman2

I seriously think you should find a job in your field, even at $2000/month. Then you can build your poker bankroll on weekends playing poker without much pressure. There are a number of risks involved in becoming a poker pro now: 1. You don't really know whether you can earn enough, because you don't have a long enough track record of winning money. 2. Your poker bank roll isn't big enough to cover a run of bad luck. 3. If you are not working at a regular job for a couple of years, you will forget stuff from your courses and companies will be reluctant to hire you for a job in your field. 4. Poker could become unprofitable in the future due to players improving, loss of interest in poker, the government banning poker, etc. But good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Yea I get it is definitely the smarter decision, but it just isn't something I'm interested in. IDK, I'm kind of torn. I always read the top regrets of old people and it is always something along the lines of working too much or not following passions and caring about what others think. But on the other end, you still need to be able to survive...Anyway, I have minimal expenses so if it goes bad it won't be too bad. Thanks!

Originally posted by Optional

He's been planning for it so long I think he has to give it a go if the opportunity is there.

And deal with the consequences as they come up.

Yea, definitely need to see this goal out...

Originally posted by reigle9

I would've killed to be a poker player at 21 and would've killed it but didn't have the means.

Did it at 31, but just didn't have the desire. Players got infinity better over those 10 years and I had to drink the entire time at the table to keep from murder/suicide.

I wish there would be another poker boom with new naive players, but I just don't see it happening. Young people are too busy with nonsense like coming up with new ways for things to be racist and offended about.

I can definitely see another poker boom if poker becomes legal in the U.S. again. There is also the asian markets that can open up...

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

the average no limit player these days is pretty good, harder to grind out a living. People might be better served picking a different variation and learning inside and out(PLO, stud,mixed games etc etc).

Yea, I definitely will try to learn PLO soon

**reigle9** · 04-14-18, 05:24 PM

omaha h/l is probably the best money maker if you have the desire to give effort

i like nlhe cause i can drink and not give any effort

**Optional** · 04-14-18, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by Ballerholic

At the moment her parents think I will be doing article writing, website promotion, etc.

As the parent of 3 daughters I can almost guarantee you that them thinking you are hiding something or lying is probably going to end up worse than being honest with them to start with.

If you don't just sound like a lazy phuk who simply doesnt want to work, and sound like you have a plan, and a reasonable time period in which to try it, like 6 months, before reassessment. And dont ask them. Tell them with confidence. If they dont like it they will still accept it if you are confident and sound sensible about it.

I'd find something to get you out of the house as often as possible though. Being there 24/7 will piss anyone off after a while.

BTW, speaking of too much time in the house. 200 hours per week = 28 hours per day. That's not sensible even if it was possible. Maybe coming up with a real achievable "work schedule" that does not mean you have no other life will also help with the parents. You'll just scare them off being an extremist about it before they understand it can work.

**Ballerholic** · 04-15-18, 03:59 AM

Originally posted by reigle9

omaha h/l is probably the best money maker if you have the desire to give effort

i like nlhe cause i can drink and not give any effort

Yea might check that out thanks!

Originally posted by Optional

As the parent of 3 daughters I can almost guarantee you that them thinking you are hiding something or lying is probably going to end up worse than being honest with them to start with.

If you don't just sound like a lazy phuk who simply doesnt want to work, and sound like you have a plan, and a reasonable time period in which to try it, like 6 months, before reassessment. And dont ask them. Tell them with confidence. If they dont like it they will still accept it if you are confident and sound sensible about it.

I'd find something to get you out of the house as often as possible though. Being there 24/7 will piss anyone off after a while.

BTW, speaking of too much time in the house. 200 hours per week = 28 hours per day. That's not sensible even if it was possible. Maybe coming up with a real achievable "work schedule" that does not mean you have no other life will also help with the parents. You'll just scare them off being an extremist about it before they understand it can work.

I agree honesty is the best policy in most cases, but I really don't think it is for this one. I'm sure we all know that people can make money playing poker whether that is $1,000 a month or $10,000, but to somebody who has no concept of what poker is they label it as gambling and pure luck or degeneracy. Since I hope to only be down there from 3-6 months I think I can try to keep it a secret and tell them once I can prove success i.e. $5k month. Now, if I wasn't living with them I wouldn't mind telling them about poker, but I don't want them like you said to think I'm just being lazy under their roof. I am also working on other side income projects/businesses so not all a lie haha. I meant to say 200 hours a month, not a week. But yea I will be getting out of the house everyday to workout, golf, eat, have fun too. I am worried this could potentially ruin our relationship.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-15-18, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by Optional

As the parent of 3 daughters I can almost guarantee you that them thinking you are hiding something or lying is probably going to end up worse than being honest with them to start with.

If you don't just sound like a lazy phuk who simply doesnt want to work, and sound like you have a plan, and a reasonable time period in which to try it, like 6 months, before reassessment. And dont ask them. Tell them with confidence. If they dont like it they will still accept it if you are confident and sound sensible about it.

I'd find something to get you out of the house as often as possible though. Being there 24/7 will piss anyone off after a while.

BTW, speaking of too much time in the house. 200 hours per week = 28 hours per day. That's not sensible even if it was possible. Maybe coming up with a real achievable "work schedule" that does not mean you have no other life will also help with the parents. You'll just scare them off being an extremist about it before they understand it can work.

well said..hopefully it works out for Baller but there are a lot of moving parts and obstacles here lol

**sweep** · 04-16-18, 04:29 PM

Nothing wrong with calling yourself a "semi-pro" while working a full time job....You need health ins, 401k etc this day and age. Good luck Baller and keep us posted

**mpaschal34** · 04-16-18, 04:45 PM

Didn’t read every post....did see you aren’t being honest with the parents. I do hope you are 100% honest with the GF. If not, I see big trouble in the future.