Up With the Best of Them – Becoming a Pro Poker Player

Up With the Best of Them – Becoming a Pro Poker Player

The “poker night” is an American tradition, as friends across the nation meet regularly for their weekly fix of chips, cards and calls. With the media exposure the game enjoys today, including the soaring popularity of the World Series of Poker and the huge prizes on offer, it is no surprise that amateur players around the globe are considering trying their hand at the game in an attempt to become the next Chris Moneymaker who, in the 2003 Main Event, took home $2.5million after winning his seat through a $39 satellite tournament in an online casino. Such a feat revolutionized the game, to the degree that amateurs have now realized that any average Joe can enjoy the “Moneymaker Effect”.

The process of becoming a great poker player is not an easy one, and certainly not one that can happen overnight. When viewed objectively and by a player who really wants to succeed, it must be seen as an evolutionary process, in which the essence of discovery must come from within. Ergo, to better oneself and quicken this process a player must study the game. Playing for enjoyment is fine, but there is huge amount of information available to help aspiring players take their first steps towards a pro tournament.

First, learn from the pros - Moneymaker himself has written an autobiography about his success. Entitled, Moneymaker: How an Amateur Poker Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker (Harper Entertainment, 2005), it is an invaluable resource for any ambitious potential-star.

There is no need to stop here. Poker legends such as Phil Hellmuth, Gus Hansen and Mike Matusow, all of whom have won famous victories in major poker tournaments have all penned their thoughts and secrets in order to instill hope and dreams amongst their fans. Similarly, there are a number of valuable volumes on strategy available to buy in any good store. Make your mind a sponge and absorb from the best.

The next step along the way is practice. There is little point learning such valuable nuggets if all you intend to do is theorize, unless, of course, you wish to be a poker journalist or commentator. If you want to play poker you must play. Start with friends (if you do not play with them already) and work your way up, applying the knowledge garnered from your research. With every tell and raise, every call and fold you will learn not only about the game but about your opponents and about yourself.

This golden triangle is an ever-evolving spiral of knowledge that guides you along your path. Never be afraid to learn and never be afraid to play, how else will you be in with a chance to win those casino bonuses.

After all, if everyman Moneymaker could do it, why couldn’t you?