To Turn Pro or Not To Turn Pro?

[scotty34]

I've been reading this forum for only a couple of weeks now, and am relatively new to the whole poker forum experience, but I noticed something interesting while doing so.

I've seen numerous threads on various forums from people thinking of turning pro and want advice or feedback for their decision. The usual case is a young college student who no longer wants to get a job, and thinks poker is the way they can make their living. This is the standard, but there have been some other different scenarios.

What I've noticed is that no matter the scenario, roughly 80-90% of the response is along the lines of "No, you are throwing your life away." There is also the occasional "Go for it," but this is rare.

My question is this: In what scenario would their be a reversal in this trend? When would the replies to a "should I turn pro?" thread be positive?

The only answer I can see is that a person should turn pro in the case of they KNOW they are a winning player, they KNOW they make more money playing poker than a standard job, and they KNOW they have the drive and determination to keep this lifestyle up. However, if this were the case, there would not be a need to make an "advice wanted" post in a forum anyways.

Just curious as to the thoughts on this, and what scenarios may exist that would gain positive response.

[GrannyMae]

define pro, and i will take a stab

internet or B&M?

tourneys or cash games?

limit or NL?

what stakes?

necessity for instant gratification?
(i.e. extremely well funded for normal expenses entering the game, or coming in light?)

[scotty34]

By pro, I meant a general definition: playing poker as one's primary source of income. The form of poker played is not particularly relevant.

[dogmeat]

I'll give you that 10-15% response -

TURN PRO

You only live once.

Poker will never be this hot again, EVER!

What do you lose if you can't make it? A few months, a year?

Why not give it a try and see what happens? Look at it like a new job. Plenty of people try a job, hate it, quit, and get another. This is no different.

Things will be the same when you get back from a poker adventure, won't they?

Dogmeat [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]

[GrannyMae]

of course it is relevant. that's exactly why i asked.

we are on the verge of sponsorship the likes could never, ever have been imagined. NLHE, high buy-in MTT's run around the clock. casinos are swimming with clueless fish. etc

turning pro could be defined a million ways and discussing ways to do it right depends on the route one is looking at. there are brand new opportunities for truly talented players to make a great living and it does not get discussed much here.

[scotty34]

Ok, well what I had more in mind was mostly those people who think they can start around 2/4 and work their way up the limits until they are 4-tabling 5/10 and earning their ~$40 an hour.

However, I am also interested in the discussion which you just brought up regarding high stakes MTT's etc. I have no intentions of turning pro myself (I'm not even legal here for another month), but its definetly something I am interested to hear about, and who knows, maybe some years down the road I'll change my mind.

[Cubswin]

The only answer I can see is that a person should turn pro in the case of they KNOW they are a winning player, they KNOW they make more money playing poker than a standard job,

I dont think you should necessarily turn pro if you make more money at poker then you could at a more traditional job. You must consider the long-term EV of both of these careers and not just the income potential at this point in time. My point is... just because you may make more money at this point in time playing poker then you would at a 9-5 doesnt mean that poker is the better EV play.

cubs

[scotty34]

Sorry, I should have also added I was assuming that this person has a love for poker, and wants to pursue it as a career because it would be enjoyable. When you talk about EV in this sense, desire definetly becomes relevant as well. Many people would far rather take a 50K a year job that they like as opposed to a 70K a year job that they hate.

[GMan42]

I agree wholeheartedly about looking at the long-term. In my case, it's not a career I'd mind doing for the next 30 years or so if someone could guarantee internet poker would still be around. However, the fact that Congress could turn around tomorrow and decide to go after online gambling makes this a very risky proposition. Last thing I'd want to do is have to start spending 8 hrs/day at a B&M cardroom, or try desperately to explain a several-year "gap" in my employment while groveling for another 9-5 job. I'm pretty happy making poker a 2nd income that I'd be disappointed, but not crushed, to lose.

[SinCityGuy]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, well what I had more in mind was mostly those people who think they can start around 2/4 and work their way up the limits until they are 4-tabling 5/10 and earning their ~$40 an hour.

[/ QUOTE ]

I hate to rain on the parade, but if you've got any delusion about this profitable trend continuing indefinitely, then you're in for a rude awakening.

All of the limits from 2/4 to 15/30 are becoming infested by tight/aggressive multitablers. They're like cockroaches, and they're rapidly multiplying. Now, you'll see three or four at every table. Last year, you might have seen one or two. Next year, you'll see six or seven. The fish ponds will then dry out relatively quickly.