by SMT

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2012

I have heard the saying "poker is a hard way to make an easy living" uttered dozens of times from my poker mentor and the truth is, it's an absolutely accurate statement. There is so much more to becoming a professional poker player than just making up your mind to do so. Some may suggest that simply reading books, dedicating yourself to the game, and logging thousands of hours of table time will put you on the path to becoming a professional. While these are good ways to improve your game, it's not only a gross oversimplification, but dangerously misleading. To become an effective poker player and possess the skills, discipline, and bankroll necessary to actually make a living at the game is extraordinarily harder than one may think. Many of the elite professionals at the pinnacle of the game share numerous characteristics that are not easily acquired, despite many hours of practice. Anyone that presents a list of short rules to follow to become a professional, is not leading the reader down the path of reality.

All professionals have a solid understanding of game theory, statistics and mathematics that they have forged into their brain, regardless of whether it came from live or virtual play. The basic fundamentals of the game are easy to master, especially in the game of Texas hold em'. However, if you never develop a deeper understanding of the game that involves pot and implied odds that will ultimately help you determine if you are mathematically getting the correct price to call, or rather help you come to the conclusion that you should fold, you will have a difficult time making critical winning decisions. Further, if you don't understand outs, betting patterns, game psychology, position, starting hands, well timed bets and bluffs, along with hand and board textures along with other nuances, you will never be armed with the essential skills of a successful and talented player. There is a certain amount of natural ability and inclination that is required to play at the highest levels. It's not necessarily something that can be taught or learned by simply reading a book.

Playing poker for a living, particularly in cash games is much like running a business where bankroll management, game selection, and yes even networking come into play and they all have either positive or negative outcomes on your long term winnings based on how effective you are at each.

I cannot stress enough the importance of A+ bankroll management; it's the whole ball of wax as a

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