Today, financial struggles are making people look for all kinds of different online ways of earning living independently, from trading cryptocurrency, to freelance writing, and maybe teaching online lessons. This has led many to reconsider risky activities like gambling, and assess whether they can find a way to make them turn a profit.
One of the most visible consequences of this has been the spike in online casino activity during the pandemic –– making it more than likely that some are in fact taking up poker as a means of attempting to earn a living. In other words, people have stopped seeing poker as a way to get rich quickly, but as a potential career that would allow them to make a living. But is this even possible?
The short answer is: yes. But it’s very difficult to develop the skills necessary to do so, and nearly impossible to earn money consistently without the right strategy. Having said that, there are a couple of things you can do to greatly increase your chances of success.
First of all, let’s get this clear: making a living out of poker doesn’t mean you will get a better working schedule. In fact, the process of becoming a pro poker player means that your whole schedule will revolve around participating in games and tournaments. As many professional players do, you will also have to develop an efficient sleep and working-out routine, keeping you ready to face the physical and psychological challenges of poker.
Another aspect that tends to be overlooked is the player’s position on the table. As the small and big blinds move around, players will take turns being the first one or last one to place their bets. If you are the last player, you will be able to make a decision based on how many people folded, who raised their bets, and by how much. The opposite is true for being the first player to make their move, making it wise to take fewer risks when you are in this position.
Poker is a probability game. In order to win in the long term, you have to know when to fold, check, and raise your bet, a decision that should always respond to a precise calculation of odds. This is where equity calculators come in. These programs provide charts and graphics indicating the chances of winning with a particular hand as the pot increases, and the dealer and opponent’s cards are revealed. It’s also an excellent tool to analyze your own play and understand the reasoning behind a particular player’s strategy after they have shown their cards.
Making a living out of poker is possible, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy or likely. It requires you to change your lifestyle, pay attention to the different stages of a game, and become an expert in probability analysis. It’s not an easy journey, but for those who carefully monitor their earnings and losses, as well as dedicate enough time and effort to develop their skills, it can change their lives forever.
