10 Traits of a Successful Poker Professional

A lot of people would like to quit their jobs and play poker for a living but are wondering what it takes to be a successful poker pro. Here are ten essential traits. Discipline – It takes discipline to put in the hours necessary to become skilled in poker. It also takes discipline to fold hand after hand when the cards aren’t going your way and to not spend your bankroll or play in games that are above what your bankroll will support. Patience – It can take hundreds of hours of play for your luck to even out. That's great when luck is on your side but when luck isn’t on your side it’s hard not to jump in the pot or gamble a little with your money. Certain plays also require patience to execute properly (More on this in a future post). Integrity – It may surprise you how often honor and integrity come up in poker literature. Doyle Brusnon and T.J. Cloutier are good examples of poker writers who talk about honor and integrity. The bottom line is that although poker’s unique charm comes from the deceptiveness built into the game whether or not people perceive you as a person of integrity will go a long way into determining your success as a player and in life. If people like and trust you, you’ll get into games that otherwise would be closed to you. Also keep in mind that professional poker player doesn’t look very good on a credit application so how you conduct your financial affairs will determine how well you will be able to leverage those winnings. Study and Practice – Study and practice aren’t technically a trait but the willingness to do so is and is essential to growing your skills and developing your instincts. The bottom line is a couple hours a week won’t be enough for you to grow. Luck can get you only so far in a tournament and can make you a little money in ring games but ignorance can cost you everything you have. Attention to Detail – Serious poker pros take detailed notes on other players and keep records of EVERY session of play. They write down there mistakes, how they felt, insights into their opponents behavior at the table and anything else that might give them an edge in the future. They review their notes and test new ideas and strategies often. At the poker table they aren’t watching TV or flirting with the cocktail waitress (or chatting on myspace if playing online). They are paying attention to everything that is relevant to game and nothing else. Courage – Do you have the courage to go all in when the situation calls for it? Imagine this you are in a no limit Texas Hold’em tournament and you are short staked. You flopped top pair but there is a possible flush on the board and you don’t have a piece of it. The blinds are going up and you know the right thing to do is to move all-in but do you have the courage do it? Faith – I’m not necessarily talking about belief in a higher power here but rather faith in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself you will lose. I guaranteed it. So don’t bother sitting down to play. Self Honesty – What I mean by self honestly is that you don’t lie to yourself about the bad decisions you make. Most people are too quick to blame bad luck when they lose and credit their superior skill when they win. If you do this you will never grow or improve as a poker player or as a person. Determination – You will have rough times and loosing streaks no matter how good you are. You may even loose your entire bankroll and have to get a real job again. But if playing poker for a living is your dream then you will preserver and do whatever takes to get to where you want to be whether that’s winning a World Series of Poker Bracelet or making a six figure income playing poker online. Love for the Game – If you don’t love the game then nothing else matters, but then you wouldn’t be reading this page now then would you. Much of the above list is obvious but some of it may have surprised you. Never the less practice developing these traits will improve your game and your earning potential. If you don't have all these skills and traits in abundence don't give up you can develope them with a little dedication and practice. I would love to hear from you and learn what you consider to be essential poker skill or traits. Play Online Poker