<SPAN>Hi folks…..with so many off the subject threads going on in this forum, I thought I’d try to make attempt to pose a question that pertains to something closer to what I’m sure the administrator had in mind.<SPAN> </SPAN>I’d like to direct this question to people that use poker as their primary source of income…..I’m currently in one of the driest spells I’ve ever encountered playing online, Tons of over-pairs getting drawn out on by under-pairs, cold decked ect.., ect.,, doesn’t really matter just plain cold for 2 months. ONLY close to break even for this time span.<SPAN> </SPAN>What do you yourself do in these periods of drought?</SPAN>

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<SPAN>I thank you in advance for your response </SPAN>

This is one of those, if you have to ask the question, questions. I was making 250k to 500k in the mortgage business when the first year of the WPT came on television and the buzz started about poker. Rates started to go up and it was clear that things were not going well for mortgages, I could have stayed in like a lot of people were and I am sure I could have existed. Also at the time went to Aruba for the second season, the first year, 2 weeks before the event or so won 3 arubas. So I was pretty high on myself going into the event. That is where I met BrSavage and Westtexasman, as well as Hoyt Corkins. 3 of my lasting friendships within poker. I made the money in the event and once we came back there were satellites for the stone cold nuts. Between us we won those almost daily, talking about hand scenarios on the phone by day, playing by night.

By the time I had to let my assistant go from the mortgage business (I was paying him with my poker winnings, which seemed silly), I had enough money saved up, I knew what games I could play if I needed a win and I had developed a comfort zone. Since then I have worked hard to develop my affiliate program for UB and I get to play poker less and less. Until you have at least 30 to 50k saved up you are not a professional, you are unemployed.

I'll tell you what most of them do and this is a fact. They ask people for money, but there is a distinct difference between a pro asking for money and a beggar. Non-professionals will ask for a buck, $20, or a few hundred. When professionals ask me for money, they generally ask for a sizable bankroll of say $10,000. The idea is not to pay the money back right away, but only after he has generated enough money for his own bankroll when he would return the money plus interest. The other option is to back someone and simply take a percentage of his winnings, but I've never done this.

<SPAN><SPAN> </SPAN>I too hold a Real Estate License Beanie, I ALWAYS have a back-up plan if needed, I’ve saved a pretty good sized bank roll up through my poker playing, and don’t feel any pressure from worries of wondering how my bills will get paid.<SPAN> </SPAN>I just wonder if others find that they’ve been playing differently… OVERLY cautious, or maybe even guilty of not walking away for several days.<SPAN> </SPAN>I’m probably somewhat guilty of both these poker infractions. <SPAN> </SPAN>ALWAYS scared I’m going to miss a good score if I walk.<SPAN> </SPAN>Once again thank you for your input.</SPAN>

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<SPAN>P.S.<SPAN> </SPAN>What is the F beanie thing? I’m very curious……I hope it’s in fun.</SPAN>

Doesn't the 30-50K number vary per person? I don't have near that much "saved up" [is this bankroll or savings or what?] and I support myself and go to school solely with poker earnings. I keep my bankroll in check however and during cold spells I basically play for less and less money until it let's up. I'm young though and don't have a family to support so I guess most "pros" need alot more income than me. I guess I'm more of an intern. [I don't have a mortgage; i rent :(]

I have a minimum stake that I play at that gets me by during the tough times. During the normal times I just play with whatever my bankroll suggests. Are these losing streaks really all bad luck though? Everytime I have a bad streak it ends when I figure out that my play has changed somewhere because of the bad streak and I fix it. I don't really believe in luck; I think bad streaks are more of a domino effect of particular event(s) that subconsciously alter your decisions and perceptions in a particular span of time.

Maybe I'm stating the obvious...

Sounds like a pyramid scheme.

Riv, agree with DJC, great post and topic.

I have been fortunate in that I have been employed during my poker run, during the good times and bad thus always have had a steady income to pay the bills. My wife is a lawyer with IBM and I run sales for a small software company where most revenue is derived from farmed accounts, thus my tasks during the day haven't been plentiful and allowed me the luxury of playing poker whenever I fee like it, which has been 8 hours a day LOL.

I have always felt that doing this for a "living" is an oxymoron. Unless you are on the WPT or Negreanu, is it really a living? I guess you have to quantify what exactly is enough revenue created to consider this a living.

For me, the amount I'm up? I'd be better collecting unemployment insurance. It would pay about the same without the ups and downs that come with playing this crazy game we both love.

I have a ton of respect for your game, the way you handle yourself, take things in stride and grind. Many can learn from your example at Paradise, whether it be by being gracious/modest when the succeed and not whining (like a certain tosser, ME) when the shit hits the fan and I don't get the breaks.

My experience has been watchin ya that you are overdue...and I will try to stay out of the way when that streak takes a right turn for you. :)

Riv, you can also be happy that being on a cold run as of late hasn't crippled your bank. Only broke even? Not bad for a bad streak. If I had a bad streak where all I did was break even I would be pretty happy! Big ones will come.