Are You Ready To Play Poker? Evaluation, Discipline, and Money Management

Step Two - Discipline is Key

Are you often called one of the following at the poker table: Donkey, Maniac, Fish, Loose-Cannon, Idiot, Stupid, or Stupid-Idiot, etc, etc?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you most likely lack discipline.

At this point you have to ask yourself another question, "Can I contain myself?"

See, as a poker player you need to be patient. I don't just mean waiting for a top 10 hand, but for spots to make a move in. You can't call every flush or straight draw, you need to pick the right ones and if you do, you will be profitable.

Now, if you find yourself saying, "Well, I was suited!" or "I only needed a nine for a straight!" then you are behind. You don't want to hear it, but just because you are suited doesn't mean you HAVE to see a flop. 

You have a gut-shot straight draw. Let's say you hold an eight and nine, the board has a six and 10, so a seven makes a straight.  Once again, you DO NOT HAVE to see a turn.

Folding these hands will make you money, because you will not lose money.

Remember that, if you don't lose money in pots you used to, you are essentially making money now!

Step Three - Bankroll Management

I will be writing a full article on bankroll management; it is so very important to understand this.

Right now, I just want you to ask yourself:

1. How much money can I lose comfortably?
2. How much money am I willing to lose?
3. If I lose my bankroll, can I fill my bankroll again?
4. Am I disciplined enough to stick to a strict bankroll management system?

I want you to answer all of these.  There are really no wrong answers, but if you want to be a winning player, number four is important.

If you want to start playing poker, put up "X" amount of dollars, and not have to reload (you answered "No" to No. 3) then sticking a strict bankroll management system is very important.

I hope the first three steps have given you a good understanding of what it takes to make it in the poker world.  I also hope that it has given you a good understanding of whether or not you have what it takes. If you don't think so, don't be worried, everything here can be learned, too. 

So, until the next article, figure out exactly what you want to accomplish. Some people just want to play for fun. That is fine, but why not make at least a little money while doing it?

Other people want to make poker a second, or even first income. This is great, but practicing everything in this article is very important.

Good luck, but better skill!

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