If you have been playing poker for a while, then you have
probably had some thoughts of taking your game to the next
level. This goes for just about every player, including those at
the low limits and those at the high limit games. But moving up
and playing poker in the big time can take a lot of preparation.
Most of the people who think that they are ready are actually
just going to fail miserably when they face stiffer competition,
and they will only come to realize this by losing out in a big
way.
Most poker players have, at least briefly, thought about dumping the boring old day job and becoming a full-time, professional player. That would be such a great job. Set your own hours! Play your favorite game every day! Make more money in a month than you’ll see in a year at your current job! It all sounds so nice when you lay it out in that way, doesn’t it?
The problem, of course, is that nothing is ever this good in reality. When we visualize things in our mind, we make them out to be all roses and none of the thorns. What you will find when you move up to the pro level or even to a higher limit than you’re at, is that it takes an awful lot to prepare you for that type of challenge. But before you put in your two-week notice, you have to make sure that you’re really ready to leave that job behind and go for your dream. If you aren’t fully prepared, you probably won’t realize your dream. That can really crush your desire to keep playing, which is the last thing that any poker player wants.
So what is it that will let you know that you’re ready for the big time? It comes down to just how good you are. Poker is a game based upon luck, but as you probably know, it takes a great deal of skill, as well. You need to be able to consistently beat certain poker games online before you should ever try your hand with the big boys.
Start out by playing a reasonable level of game consistently online. For instance, play a no limit game of $2/$4. If you can make a profit in that game over the long haul, then move up one level. Try beating those two levels for six months to a year, and then re-evaluate your decision. In doing this, you will see just how well you stack up against the best that there is out in the poker world. You might not realize it, but there are some really good players at real money online poker sites. They don’t lurk at the low levels, though.
In addition to that, you need to understand what it’s like when you make the big step up. There are going to be highs, lows, and all of the places in-between. You need to make sure that you have a firm grasp on what is going on, and more importantly, that you have prepared yourself for those things. So what is it that you must keep in mind before making the big decision?
Remember that even world-class pros have losing streaks. The same thing can happen to you, or any other poker player. Make sure that you’re ready for that possibility. Otherwise, you’ll be too busy worrying about your upcoming electric bill to enjoy the game (or even play it, if you’re very desperate for cash).
Everybody will make a different decision, for different reasons. You’re the one who’s in charge of your life, so you’ll have to think and plan for yourself. These questions and guidelines are very helpful, though, because they cover the most important aspects of turning pro. This controlled, well-thought approach to your dream makes you more likely to succeed, which is always a good thing.
Also here is a final tip, if you don’t have a rakeback deal yet – make sure to signup for rakeback in order to make the most money playing online poker games for cash.