By
yogiblair |
Published
Dec 16 2005, 05:36 AM
Professional Poker: The Essential Guide to Playing for a Livingby Mark BladeWith
the popularity of poker at a level never seen before, millions of
recreational poker players have found themselves dreaming of someday
becoming the next Johnny Chan or Phil Ivey. The truth is most of these
people will never actually take the plunge but for those who do have a
go at it, most will go broke or quit long before they really have a
legitimate shot at making it! Now why is this the brutal reality?
Perhaps it’s because these people didn’t have the poker skills to make
it against the proven professionals out there who have been eating up
the poker world for decades. That may be true in some cases, but after
reading this book I have come to understand that there is a much more
likely reason for such a sad ending to one's professional poker dreams.
They may know how to play the cards, but they have no idea how to put
themselves in a position to succeed.
There are 6 sections in
this book with several chapters in each section all written in a very
frank, honest and easy to understand manner.
Section 1- The decision to become a pro poker player.
Section 2- Money Matters.
Section 3- The education of a pro player.
Section 4- The life of a pro poker player.
Section 5- Advanced mental and emotional tips.
Section 6- Advanced poker strategy tips.
One
topic I would like to touch on here is inside Section 2- Money Matters,
Chapter 13 "How Much Money Do You Need? (Bankroll Management)". In this
chapter Mark Blade goes into incredible detail (the numbers are scary)
about cash games and tournaments. He talks about bankroll myths, what
size bankroll you need and strategies for each type of game. Also
addressed is when and how to move up (or down) in levels with precise
details about why. He gives specific advice for beginners and their
bankrolls, as well as how to prove you are a winning player.
Blade
gives candid thoughts and advice on whether or not you should quit your
job with why’s and how’s. He touches on staking and satellites, taking
money out of your bankroll as well as family considerations if you have
them. I feel comfortable in saying that this chapter has without a
doubt the most important advice for anyone who might be considering
becoming a professional poker player!
If you want poker
strategy, there are hundreds of books on the subject, but if you want
to know what it’s like and what it takes to live the life of a
professional poker player, there is NO better resource available than
this book. I give
Professional Poker 5 out of 5 stars!!
To buy this book on Amazon.com click here:
Professional Poker