If you are one of those who has always dreamed of becoming a professional poker player, I have some bad news for you: It is not as easy as it looks. In fact, most people who try to turn pro lose more games than win.
Texas Holdem is the most popular poker variation in professional tournaments and is also one of the easiest to learn. The game’s object is to make the best five-card hand from the two-hole cards dealt to each player and the five community cards.
The game can be played with anywhere from two to ten players and, unlike many other poker variations, there is no “draw” – meaning that all players are dealt their cards at the beginning of each hand. This makes for a fast-paced and exciting game perfect for tournament play.
So what is Texas Holdem?
One thing that makes Texas Holdem so popular is that it is relatively easy to learn but still provides plenty of opportunities for skilled players to outmaneuver their opponents. In Texas poker, the betting structure is also simple, with only two rounds of betting – pre-flop and post-flop – which keeps the action moving.
Another critical factor is that plenty of online resources are available to help players improve their game. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are always new strategies and tips to learn. With so much available information, it is no wonder Texas Holdem poker is the most popular poker variation in professional tournaments.
Now let us go into essential tips when you plan on turning pro in poker.
1) Learn the rules and hand rankings
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people try to turn pro without actually knowing the game’s rules. If you are serious about becoming a professional poker player, you need to know the basics.
Start by learning the hand rankings, which will tell you what kind of hand beats another. For instance, a flush (five cards of the same suit) beats a straight (five cards in sequential order), while three of a kind always beats two pairs. Once you know the hand rankings, you can learn more advanced strategies.
2) Find your own style
There are many different ways to play Texas Holdem, so it is vital to find a style that suits you. Some players are very aggressive, always betting and raising to try and force their opponents to fold. Others take a passive approach, calling and checking more often to entice their opponents to make a mistake.
The key is to find a style you are comfortable with and think will be successful against your opponents. It is also essential to be able to switch up your style when needed – for instance, if you are up against a very tight player who rarely bets, you might need to be more aggressive to have any chance of winning the hand.
3) Manage your bankroll
This is one of the essential tips for anyone looking to turn pro in poker. Bankroll management is all about knowing how much money you can afford to lose in a session without going broke.
Many beginner players make the mistake of thinking they need to win every hand to make a profit, but this is not the case. Even the best players in the world only win around 40% of their hands, so it is vital to be prepared for losing streaks.
The best way to manage your bankroll is to set aside a certain amount of money you are comfortable with losing and only play with that. If you start dipping into your savings or borrowing money to play, you are putting yourself at risk of going broke.
4) Learn some basic strategies
When you play Texas Holdem enough, you will eventually realize that it is not a game of pure luck; it has more to do with strategy. Here are some practical strategies you can implement.
A. Squeeze play
The squeeze play is a great way to make some extra money in a hand. It involves raising pre-flop when you have a strong hand, such as AA or KK. This usually forces the other players to fold, leaving you with a nice pot.
B. Slow playing
Slow playing is the opposite of a squeeze play – instead of raising to force your opponents out, you check or call instead. This can be effective when you have a very strong hand and want to tempt your opponents into betting more money.
5) Play Texas Holdem for free a lot!
One of the best ways to improve your game is to play as much as possible. While you might not always win, the more hands you play, the more experience you will have and the better you will become at making decisions.
Play Texas Holdem online first for smaller stakes (or free) if you plan on doing this. Getting experience means you will have to lose a lot at first. So be wise when you plan on playing for many hours.
If you are serious about turning pro, you should try playing for at least a few hours daily. You can find plenty of free games online – make sure you are playing against players of a similar skill level to get the most out of it.
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Before going pro
Turning pro in Texas Holdem can be challenging, but making a living from the game is possible if you are good enough. The key is to start small, build up your bankroll, and never risk more money than you can afford to lose.
If you can do all of that, then you will be well on your way to becoming a professional poker player.
