If you are no stranger to poker, you must know that this game is as demanding as it is exciting. To be able to play the game properly you must spend hours learning the rules, practicing different strategies, and trying to beat every opponent you face at the Everygame poker tables.
Since this game requires so much dedication, you must ask yourself: am I good enough at playing poker to actually spend so much time playing it? Or am I better off looking for a different extracurricular activity?
Being able to self-reflect is important in all walks of life, but it is even more necessary if you are contemplating having a future in the poker industry. This article is here to guide you through the process of figuring out whether you're cut out for poker or not.
3 Signs You Are a Good Poker Player
If you've already started playing poker but you're unsure whether you are good enough to turn this game into a serious project, pay attention to the following signs:
- You manage to beat all your friends – Most players start their poker journey by playing with friends, testing the waters, and learning the ins and outs of the game in the process. If you suddenly notice that you win most of your friendly games and you are no longer feeling challenged as you play in such a laid-back setting, you might be ready to take poker more seriously and move on to a more professional setting.
- You take bad beats in stride – Let's say you're already dabbling in low-stakes games to test the waters. How do you react when things don't go your way? It takes most players time to realize that you can sometimes lose even if you have strong cards, as you can never know which cards will be revealed on the flop, turn, or river. And while a bad beat might be disappointing, you can't let it dictate your mood and affect your strategy. Only when you're sure you can take any losses in stride you can be sure you are becoming a good poker player.
- You understand the odds – While mastering basic poker strategies is important, taking poker to the next level requires in-depth knowledge of the math behind the game, and subsequently – the odds. Being able to understand what odds you have of winning every hand at the drop of a hat is crucial if you want to make smart and calculated decisions at the tables. If you manage to do that, congratulations! You are a far better player than many people out there.
Keep Playing & Get Better!
If you've asked yourself whether you are a good poker player or not and you come to the conclusion that you are indeed on your way to mastering the game, there is only one thing for you to do: keep practicing and getting better as you go!
The saying 'practice makes perfect' certainly applies to poker, so the more you play, the more you will feel you belong at the poker tables. Reading strategy guides, watching instructional videos, and racking up data is good – but nothing can compare with gaining experience. So, get out there, place your bets, and have a wonderful experience as you learn more about the game – and about yourself.