Poker Discussion Post

I meant both sentences.  Including the good luck part.  You will get  A LOT of posters congratulating you but this point of view should be noted as well. 

I just can't understand why so many people think they can make money on a consistant basis enough to justify not persuing a real job with real money and real benefits.  If anyone is that good then they will make plenty of money playing after work, days off, weekends etc.  Too many people are getting sucked into this dangerous and addicting passtime. 
 

I realize that there are plenty of people wo make a living playing poker but not only are they a VERY tiny minority they are also go broke eventually.  See the Gus Hanson interview link on another thread.

I am a risk taker in both my personal and professional life.  I have taken many risks that have paid off beyond my expectations.  So don't think I am simply conservative.  I make my living on 100% commission.

I would support anyone starting a business and taking a leap, but to go into such a competative field with dillusions of grandure is probably a huge mistake.  I do however, honestly wish you all the luck in the professional poker world.   

I have some very strong opinions on this 'taking the leap' idea.  The logic does NOT support you yourself making a decision to go pro.  Going pro should be decided for you.  When you make so much money playing in your spare time on - a consistant basis -over a long period of time ( at least 2 years - CONSISTANTLY) that you can't justify spending time at a real job THEN you go pro. 

It is fun and flashy to give up a job, school, paycheck and take a leap but soooo many people have tried and only the super talented can do it and still have a real life.  I don't know you so maybe you are in the 1% who pull this feat off.  But again, I remind you that even the top pros go broke, lose their families, and their health.  I personally know of may stories.   

The first week you go pro take a trip to a Bricks and Morter casino and look at the people there.  I don't mean the tourists/fish.  I mean the pros.  They look like the freaks from the original Star Wars bar scene.  They have had a tough life.  Probably borrowed money from everyone they know, have terrible health, miserable home life, and are either broke now or have been way in debt within recent past.

I have staked players, played myself quite often, and love the poker community of respectable players.  There are many good, even great and wonderful people who play this game.  Many of them deserve respect personally and professionally.  But they are in the minority.  The smart ones write books, start poker websites and sell poker T-Shirts as well as play.

Either I am WAY off base and the majority of people who 'take this leap' end up having a wonderful successfull living profiting off us fishes or I am writing something many people agree with but don't have the guts to say.

If you are a successful pro (and I know there are more than a few who frequent this forum) congratulations!!  You are in the very enviable minority and I mean NO DISRESPECT.  Perhaps you would be among the first to agree with my post.

Again, i hope you did not read this post above.  While it is well intentioned, it is not what you want to hear.....  Also make sure your BR is good size.  Just as a guideline, i spend 20-30k /month online to profit 20k.  So, it takes money to make money...... just like any other business.  Just stay positive and be aware of the things niptuck said.... just don;t let them haunt you.

Obviously, if it does go bad, get out before any life changing things happen......  gl.