Imagine the scene. Hundreds of people are staring at you as you face down your last opponent across the table in a lauded and lucrative poker tournament. Professional poker can be an exciting rollercoaster of emotions, but getting there takes a lot of discipline and hard work. So, do you have what it takes to be a professional poker player? You need hours of practice under your belt to play poker professionally. If you are an absolute beginner, check out a beginner’s guide which outlines the very basics of the game. If you want a more detailed analysis of the characteristics of professional poker players, delve further into the online world and look for advice from the professionals themselves. However, the short version of the most important skills you need to develop is:

• You need time – Like any skill, expertise is only going to come with time. You need to be able to earmark sections of your day to practice playing poker.
• Maintain self-discipline – You have to cultivate focus when you are playing at the table, especially if you are gambling. Always know your limits and decide beforehand at what point you will step away from the game.
• Learn to control your emotions – Poker is about bluffing. It’s important to practice playing in bricks and mortar casinos, because if you’re ever going to play competitively you need to be able to use a perfect poker face.
• Get ready to ask for help – The best way to learn is to be humble enough to ask questions. Watch anyone who looks like they know more than you do and ask if you don’t understand what’s going on.

Perhaps most importantly, always remember that you are in this to have a good time. Dedicate yourself to it but do not lose yourself in it. At the end of the day, you just want to have some fun.