Most people who play poker for money will end up losers in the end. Despite this fact, millions of people across the world try their hand at the game in order to see if they have what it takes to be a winner. Unfortunately, most of these people don’t spend enough time taking care of the three most important things that every poker player should be aware of in bankroll size, a willingness to take risks, and knowledge of the game.
Bankroll size is by far the most cut-and-dried thing to deal with since you definitely have to be well-funded in order to make money. Most experts contend that you need at least 200 times the big blind at the limit you’re comfortable playing. Some even suggest that you should have more than this in No Limit games since you stand to lose so much more. If you don’t have at least 200 times the big blind at the desired limit then you need to save up until you reach this amount before beginning play.
Developing a willingness to take risks is a bit more complicated than building a bankroll, but it’s no doubt something that can be overcome. In fact, your willingness to take risks will be aided greatly just by building a sufficient bankroll. The more money you have, the more you can take chances in games and bully people around at the table.
Of course having a willingness to take risks isn’t going to help you out much if you’re constantly losing money. That’s why you must also make sure to learn as much as you can in the way of poker strategy. Some people can simply read a few books and various strategy articles, and be good to go in this department. If this doesn’t cut it for you then you need to invest in poker software and/or coaching in order to help you become a winning poker player.
The initial costs may seem steep, but if you’re serious about poker and aren’t at a level where the money is coming in consistently then software and coaching is a necessity.
The first thing I tell my friends to watch is there bankroll. I strongly believe that is the one item that all noobs to the game fail to do…Bankroll management is very critical for anyone that wants to remain a player in poker.
Nice article !
Earl aka:Skinski
For me, there is a 4th component for playing online poker. Playing rested, and distraction free.
I was recently involved in a Race to $250 with a group of my peers. The idea was to take a $10 starting bankroll and grind up to $250. Everyone paid $10 to get into the race, and the first one to get there got everyone’s $10.
I didn’t finish last, but I didn’t finish the project either. I thought that I’d play it safe and just play S&G’s for a maximum of $1 plus rake, until I built my bankroll over $50, then move up to $2. It is so crucial to pay attention to bankroll strategies as if you don’t you’ll go bust.
A good poker player knows what limits to play at, and sticks to those limits. After a few good sessions, they walk away with their proceeds. They don’t get too deep into their bankroll just to play. Everything is an investment when it comes to solid poker players, and that investment should be met with a reasonable return on their invesment.
But the 4th element in online poker playing is crucial to success. Don’t play tired, and don’t play when there is distractions about the house. This is my biggest dilema as I am the father to 4 daughters under the age of 10. Inside my house at any given moment, there is chaos. So it is imperitive that I pick my playing times wisely, where I won’t be interupted by the consistent distractions in the middle of the day, and I don’t put myself at the tables when its too late at night. if I can find these spots in my calendar, I have success. When I choose to ignore the factors, I have more failures.