Playing poker for a living is one of those things that no reasonable person would consider more than a pipe dream. However, there are actually people who make a living playing poker. As one might expect, these players were highly skilled and generally at the top of their game. The reason why this is possible is because poker is not strictly a game of chance. A good poker player uses a strategy that makes sense with respect to the hands they are dealt to leave the table as the person with the most money in their pocket. If this game was just a slot where the statistical laws of chance determined one’s overall fortune, making a living would be nearly impossible.
If you want to play poker for a living then first and foremost, means being wise. For most people, playing poker online is a diversion, a leisure activity, and of course nothing that can be described as a business venture. People who play the game professionally; certainly are business people and they operate in one of the most risky and high-pressure business environments imaginable. If a person becomes faint hearted, playing poker for a living is definitely something they should not consider.
Playing these games for a living usually requires traveling around the country to various tournaments. This will also require the use of online casinos and playing their tournaments. For professional poker players, any tournament is a source of income. Missing a tournament on the part of a professional poker player is akin to a salesperson failing to exploit the entire market. Being a professional poker player means playing poker becomes one’s job and, as with any job, one needs to show up for work if they hope to make a living.
Playing poker for a living, like any other business venture, generally requires a person to have money if they intend to make money. This would be something similar to the basic amount of money that a person uses to enter the casino where they want to gamble. Anything made on this money will be considered income and, since poker players in this case are not playing just for fun, it will be a legitimate part of their income which they have to file taxes on and also a place where they have to live. This is a much different existence from people who play just for fun.
A professional poker player should always perfect and improve their skills. While casual players might get away with saying that they are good players and that their friends are amazing at their abilities at the occasional game, a professional poker player must constantly pit themselves against players who are way beyond their level so that they can learn and grow as players in their own right. For professionals, the money they win is providing food and the bragging rights are second to their income.
Playing poker for a living may be a dream for many but it is a dream that can be achieved. For many people, becoming a professional poker player happens by accident. Someone just ends up at a game of poker in a casino and finds out during the game that they have the skills for the game. If they really enjoy playing the game on it, they will usually see their winnings increase over time and the transition to becoming a professional player will come naturally.
For most people, however, becoming a professional poker player is something of a goal they live for. Playing Poker for a living will definitely be hard work and will require a lot of dedication on the part of the player. Those who take this seriously should not confuse this fact by going on vacation to Las Vegas or enjoying some good hands in front of their computer at home. As is the case in any poker game, one needs to understand the hand they are holding before they place this bet.
Matthew has been playing online and live poker for 3 years and works as a poker dealer. Visit our website to read poker articles, poker room reviews and watch our video reviews.