Tactical missteps of competitors in tournament play.
In the world of poker, the life of a pro can seem glamorous, but the road to quick cash isn't as easy as it seems. Miikka Anttonen, a seasoned MTT player, reveals the common pitfalls that keep many tournament players from making a career out of the game.
It's not just the tough competition that's hurdle. You'll find "dead money" in almost every tournament you play, making you question why some players can't build a successful career. Anttonen shares the most common errors he often sees beginner and promising players make, and why these mistakes might be their ticket out of the poker business.
First on the list: insufficient bankroll. If you don't have a deep enough bankroll, you risk losing it all, and variance plays a significant role in tournaments. A long-term success depends on a bankroll that can withstand this unavoidable variable.
Anttonen recommends a bankroll that's 500 times your average buy-in, but that might seem too excessive for some. If you've got your eyes set on weaker fields or are playing for fun, you can probably be more liberal with your bankroll.
But there's more to bankroll management than just considering the number of buy-ins you have. Poker books and articles often neglect the life of the player away from the tables. Separating your money into "life" and "poker" funds is a common suggestion, but for many less wealthy and starting players, this might not be feasible. Think about it this way: if you've got only $10,000 to your name, does it really make a difference if you allocate $5,000 each for your poker bankroll and living expenses?
This common misconception can lead to financial perils many players face. A downswing of one losing month can put you at the brink of bankruptcy, and the next one might completely ruin you. This realization often fuels a never-ending cycle of stress and the urge to enter more and more tournaments, including expensive ones, which is the worst approach to the game.
Tournaments can be grueling, and the psychological impact of them can hinder your play, especially at crucial moments like final tables. Anxiety and constant stress can lead to passive, sub-optimal play, making it impossible for you to break through to the top.
Now, if you have a backup plan outside of poker, the number of buy-ins you have (500 or 1000) doesn't really matter. If you can easily find well-paying work after losing your bankroll or your living expenses are minimal, then a more aggressive bankroll management strategy might suit you better.
But what if poker is your main source of income? Playing poker as a side hustle might be an underrated option for beginner players. Everyone wants to be a pro, but being your own boss can be challenging. If you have a steady job to pay your bills, building a poker career will be much smoother than trying to make ends meet as a full-time professional.
Finding a "backer" might seem like the solution, but in most cases, it's not. Here's why:
- You only get a portion of your winnings, making it difficult to accumulate funds.
- At some point, every sponsored player finds themselves in a slump. This can leave a player without income for several months or even years, which can be demoralizing.
So, avoid relying on backers and focus on building your own bankroll. And remember, consistency is key. Opt for small tournaments for more stable income and a chance to gradually move up the stakes. Good luck out there!
- What if poker isn't your only source of income? Playing poker as a side hustle might be a more feasible option for beginner players.
- If you're relying on a backup plan outside of poker, the number of buy-ins you have doesn't really matter.
- Neglecting life away from the poker tables can lead to financial perils many players face. A downswing of one losing month can put you at the brink of bankruptcy, even with a large bankroll.
- Education-and-self-development and career-development skills are as important for a poker player as understanding casino-games and poker strategies, especially when considering casino-and-gambling as a profession.
