Please help, need advice (long)

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well in ur original post you said u are considering being a professional and defined a profession as someone who plays poker and poker is their only source of income. and then u say here that u just want money on the side.

which one is it?

that said, from what ive read,i dont think you're ready. dont take offense to it. this all seems to be short term play. professional poker is a long term thing, something you do not seem to have dealt with

[/ QUOTE ]

I think I have made myself pretty clear on several occassions throughout this thread that I am now only thinking about playing poker part-time, for extra money on the side.

So, no, I DO NOT WANT TO GO PRO ANYMORE.

Not taking offense just a little aggravated that I have reiterate myself so many times for people to actually hear what I am saying.

[jedi]

[ QUOTE ]
Jedi:

How do you know that I am not good enough to be a poker pro? Have you seen me play? Have you seen or heard anything about the way I play? Maybe there's a magazine article about me somewhere that I don't know about.

The bottom line is, I know I am at least decent. I also know I'm not the best, never said I was.

What's not okay is you making an uninformed attack on the way I play.

I appreciate the fact that you have taken time out of your day to try to offer some advice that you think might help me. But please, limit your response to things you are at least half-way knowledgeable of.

I will not attack you on subjects I know nothing of. Please extend to me the same courtesy, that's all I ask.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am generalizing based on your previous comments. If you're really that good, then you can ignore what I say without worrying about what the next idiot thinks. And if you're that good, then I'll gladly admit that I'm wrong, but when people come in and talk about stuff in ways that shows they haven't thought about the game that much, then one of two things are likely: 1) They aren't as good as they think they are, or 2) They're a HUGE natural talent that doesn't need to study the game. Most people are #1 so I'm generalizing based on that.

I'm not trying to attack you per se, but realize that most people who write posts like this overestimate their playing ability.

Good luck.

[ QUOTE ]
Its very tempting to call you an idiot. But the truth is you just haven't been exposed to some of the basic concepts of the game and ignorance is not the same thing as idiocy.

Its worthwile to learn how to play low stakes poker, your typical conditions there will arise even in higher stakes games on occasion (or more frequently) and you ought to know how to play those conditions.

Lower stakes games are (generally speaking) easier games. When you have a lot of bad players makeing bad mistakes there is a much greater profit potential. It may be swingier, sure, but you aren't there to play one game, you're there to play many games over a lifetime, and so over the long term you want the games full of bad players playing badly.

Do I want somebody cold calling two raises with K-3 off when I have AA. You bet your ass I do. Do I want them calling two bets on every street with bottom pair? You bet I do. Am I disappointed when they hit a five outer to beat me on the river--sure, a little. But do I want them to do it again when I get AA? You bet I do.

On a side note, if you get 3000 bucks together jump into 5/10 and lose it do you really have to decide poker is not for you? You could start smaller, learn the game well and keep moving up as you improve? Also, there seems to be a consensus that 5/10 online is a tougher game than 5/10 live.

Anyway, good luck to you, hang out and learn some stuff, and enjoy poker as a sideline to your regular job.

--Zetack

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand what you're saying, and I sincerely appreciate the restraint you have shown in not attacking me.

I hope you don't think that I, after having read Sklansky's books on Hold 'Em, would not want to play with bad players. I realize that they are the only reasons I am able to make money sometimes. I was referring to my aggravation with the fact that I was running bad that night.

I'm sure every player here has experienced the same feelings of anger and aggravation due to a long night of bad luck. It's only human to feel that way.

When I talk to my friends about it, they say "it happens to us all," and "I know how ya feel, bud." What's up with you people attacking me, as if I'm some monster because I got a little emotional during a game of poker?

I'm not saying that you, Zetack, are attacking me. I'm just frustrated about the fact that I continually have to defend myself here. As if nobody else has ever done what I have done, and everybody posting their advice on this thread is perfect.

[ QUOTE ]
1 - You're not as good as you think you are. (No one is, but newer players are especially susceptible to the "I've been running well and am a poker god" mentality)

2 - Before you even think about playing for a living you need several things: A) Several months of proven success. Not just "I win more than I lose" or "I had a good few weeks". Documentation of exactly how much you're winning/losing is essential. B) Several months of expenses which are separate from your bankroll. You will absolutely go through losing streaks and months where you don't win enough to cover the bills (and some months where you don't win, period). You cannot afford to dip into your bankroll to cover these expenses, as that will open you up to a bigger disaster - busting out. C)You need a bankroll which is separate from your spending money. 300 BB is the normal suggestion, but 500 BB is much better. This should allow you a bigger cushion against the inevitable downswing, and can prevent you from having to drop down in limits when you start losing.

3 - Playing online for a living is significantly easier than trying to play in a cardroom. You can play any hours you'd like; you don't have to drive to the room and then wait for a seat; you can play multiple tables at the same time; you can get rakebacks and bonuses which add to your earnings; you can use programs like Pokertracker and Playerview/PokerAce to help track your play and your opponent's play.

4 - Go to the archives, search for all posts by davidross. He started his poker career over 2 years ago and gave weekly updates for the first year about his journey. It's a great read and will give you a lot of insight into the difficulties of becoming a professional.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just like to say "thank you very much" to this individual who, so far, has made the most helpful comment to me on this thread. This is excellent advice, excellent criticism, and I do not feel like he attacked me in any way.

Sir, you are a true wrodsmith, and a good person. Thanks for your help.

[LIRob23]

[jman220]

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I am contemplating the idea of becoming a "professional" poker player. I started playing Texas Hold 'Em approximately 6 months ago .

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #1


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and sometimes I just don't get the cards that I expect to come.

[/ QUOTE ] Bad Sign #1


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what the heck does "BB" stand for

[/ QUOTE ]Red Flag #2


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I was really stupid and took everything I had to the casino and lost it all a couple times.

[/ QUOTE ] Bad Sign #2

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I never moved up to compensate

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #3

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I did do stupid crap like scam people for money to get a bankroll.

[/ QUOTE ] You are a scumbag, die.

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I tried 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8, with minimal success.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #4
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The lower stakes just end up really ticking me off, with all the river chasers catching miracle cards through oblivious play.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #5
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The bottom line is, I know I am at least decent.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #6
[ QUOTE ]
When I talk to my friends about it, they say "it happens to us all," and "I know how ya feel, bud." What's up with you people attacking me, as if I'm some monster because I got a little emotional during a game of poker?

[/ QUOTE ] We are not your friends. Especially after you admitted you are a criminal to us. [ QUOTE ]
if the way people play at these sites for fake money is any indication of how horrible they play for real money, I'll be making a lot more than $150/hour online.


[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #7 [ QUOTE ]
Am I just a newbie fish that should get the heck out of your world?

[/ QUOTE ] No, You are a newbie, fish, scamming jackass who feels justified in scamming people because you were a moron and fell victim to a scam yourself. Go away. Based on all your posts, I am quite confident in asserting that you do not have the skills necessary to be in the top 8 percent of poker. And make no mistake, it is only the top 8 percent of players that actually show a profit online. Therefore, you will lose.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I am contemplating the idea of becoming a "professional" poker player. I started playing Texas Hold 'Em approximately 6 months ago.

[/ QUOTE ]
Red Flag #1
[ QUOTE ]
and sometimes I just don't get the cards that I expect to come.

[/ QUOTE ]
Bad Sign #1
[ QUOTE ]
what the heck does "BB" stand for

[/ QUOTE ]
Red Flag #2
[ QUOTE ]
I was really stupid and took everything I had to the casino and lost it all a couple times.

[/ QUOTE ]
Bad Sign #2 [ QUOTE ]
I never moved up to compensate

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #3

[ QUOTE ]
I did do stupid crap like scam people for money to get a bankroll.

[/ QUOTE ] You are a scumbag, die.

[ QUOTE ]
I tried 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8, with minimal success.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #4 [ QUOTE ]
The lower stakes just end up really ticking me off, with all the river chasers catching miracle cards through oblivious play.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #5 [ QUOTE ]
The bottom line is, I know I am at least decent.

[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #6 [ QUOTE ]
When I talk to my friends about it, they say "it happens to us all," and "I know how ya feel, bud." What's up with you people attacking me, as if I'm some monster because I got a little emotional during a game of poker?

[/ QUOTE ] We are not your friends. Especially after you admitted you are a criminal to us. [ QUOTE ]
if the way people play at these sites for fake money is any indication of how horrible they play for real money, I'll be making a lot more than $150/hour online.


[/ QUOTE ] Red Flag #7 [ QUOTE ]
Am I just a newbie fish that should get the heck out of your world?

[/ QUOTE ] No, You are a newbie, fish, scamming jackass who feels justified in scamming people because you were a moron and fell victim to a scam yourself. Go away. Based on all your posts, I am quite confident in asserting that you do not have the skills necessary to be in the top 8 percent of poker. And make no mistake, it is only the top 8 percent of players that actually show a profit online. Therefore, you will lose.

[/ QUOTE ]

Does posting stuff like this make you feel smart?

I hope it does. I hope you feel all warm and tingly inside when you post things like this. Perhaps you even spurt in your shorts a little when you click on the "submit" button.

Tell me, what did you have to gain by posting this? Do you think that your fellow 2+2 Forum friends would all lift you on their shoulders and praise you for weeks for the witty list you created?

Insulting people is just as bad as scamming them.

I'm glad that you have chosen to stoop down to that level. It basically invalidates half of what you said on its own.

As for the other half, you have quite obviously taken what I have said out of context. Perhaps you should apply for a position with Fox News. I think you'd do well there.

But thanks for the positive input.

[ QUOTE ]
Mike, Im going to just come out and say it.

YOU ARE INDEED AN IDIOT.

Right now you you are beating a 6/12 game at the commerce. Big F-ing deal. In your posts you are complaing about your aces getting cracked in a 1/2 game. Your mind is in the gutter. You seem like a loser/low life so be happy with your 13$/hr job. I say stick with that because if you play 5/10 online with your 3k bankroll I give you 1 month before you're broke and posting an online is rigged post. This is good advice for you, listen.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for that. You're a great person. I appreciate your help. I'm sure you will go far in life.

[DemonDeac]

christ man. stop taking things so personal. do ur parents not love you or something?

you're like Terrell Owens, and dont get me started on him....

just keep playing cards and try and have fun

[jman220]

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Insulting people is just as bad as scamming them.

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No, its not. Do you see why? You are undeserving of the knowledge that these forums contain.