dreamer13
Legend
Loyaler
When you want results, you need to take specific steps. It often happens: you take 99 steps, but don't make it to the 100th—and bam! You've failed. That's because the steps not only need to be right, but they need to be enough.Take the steps that apply to you - but completely and immediately.In any game of chance, chance decides, meaning the mathematical expectation is below zero. This means, no matter how much you win, over the long run, you'll leave more money in the game than you take out. Arguing with mathematics, like with reality, is pointless. But gaming systems will do everything they can to make the player think otherwise.
schtiuky
Visionary
Platinum Level
In my dreams I also play poker in reality I work 10 h/day just to have food.
Leandro Moecke
Rock Star
Platinum Level
I also thought it would be something faster, with some profits online the people around me also encouraged me to try to make a living just from poker, but it's not that simple, it requires a lot of discipline right!
bremp555
Rock Star
Platinum Level
That’s such a great point. I think a lot of us start out imagining poker as a fast track to success, when in reality it’s a long journey that requires patience, discipline, and constant learning. The swings can be tough, and it really tests your ability to stay focused over the long run.
For me, the biggest difference from what I first imagined is how much of poker is about managing yourself rather than just playing the cards. bankroll management, emotional control, and studying consistently are things I didn’t really think about in the beginning, but they’re essential if you want to improve and last in the game.
It’s definitely more of a marathon like you said, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. The grind can be tough, but every step of progress feels like a real achievement.
For me, the biggest difference from what I first imagined is how much of poker is about managing yourself rather than just playing the cards. bankroll management, emotional control, and studying consistently are things I didn’t really think about in the beginning, but they’re essential if you want to improve and last in the game.
It’s definitely more of a marathon like you said, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. The grind can be tough, but every step of progress feels like a real achievement.
Poker Orifice
And Still...
Platinum Level
I really had no expectations when I first started to play online poker (aside from wanting to have fun).
I won the very first day I played which did lead me to believe it was going to be easier than it was.
V
veszmo
Rock Star
Platinum Level
It's important to remember that poker is primarily a game of chance. Of course, there are many other factors that are important, such as management, hard work, humility and experience, but if you're unlucky you'll never reach the top.
puzzlefish
Legend
Loyaler
Why dream of being a poker pro? Being a pro in poker does not guarantee a good life. The good life comes from things such as having good relationships with family, friends, and being able to live comfortably. Being great at poker doesn't guarantee any of that. There's a lot of pros that end up having a very miserable existence.
TeUnit
Legend
Loyaler
I used to think being a live tourney pro would be the best job in the world, but now I think it would be one of the worst ways to make a living.
Between the travel, the long hours sitting at a table, and the agonizingly slow play- live poker lost its luster very quickly.
Between the travel, the long hours sitting at a table, and the agonizingly slow play- live poker lost its luster very quickly.
dannystanks
Legend
Silver Level
A long time ago I always dreamed of playing poker for a living but as I started playing I realized how much stress would be involved with playing for a living. So I just stuck to it being a fun hobby, no stress, just play within my budget and have fun.
K
Kasztor007
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I used to dream about becoming a poker pro quickly, but now I see it’s really a marathon. It takes a lot of work, study, bankroll management, and especially mental resilience — a long downswing can easily break you if you’re not strong mentally.
Right now I’m a hobby player, aiming to make some small consistent profit over time. Honestly, I’d call myself more of a “fish-reg” — I’ve had a few small MTT wins, but no major results yet, and I haven’t put in enough structured effort either.
What currently works for me, even with limited time:
– 2–3 short study blocks per week (hand review, preflop chart work, spot analysis)
– Small-field micro tournaments, where the level of play is realistic
– Simple bankroll rules and tilt checks (if I’m tired, I don’t play)
I’m taking it slow — build stability as a hobby first, and then think about the next step.
Right now I’m a hobby player, aiming to make some small consistent profit over time. Honestly, I’d call myself more of a “fish-reg” — I’ve had a few small MTT wins, but no major results yet, and I haven’t put in enough structured effort either.
What currently works for me, even with limited time:
– 2–3 short study blocks per week (hand review, preflop chart work, spot analysis)
– Small-field micro tournaments, where the level of play is realistic
– Simple bankroll rules and tilt checks (if I’m tired, I don’t play)
I’m taking it slow — build stability as a hobby first, and then think about the next step.
T
theStarfish
Legend
Platinum Level
I guess all of us wanted to become a pro after we descovered the game. A lot of people don´t have the patience and stamina to play this game. But it is important to still have these dreams and work for it.
puzzlefish
Legend
Loyaler
You are in luck. The answer is right here, under your nose, on this site! And it is also free.
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