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What Does It Take To Become A Poker Player In India?

Poker is considered a mind sport; more than a pinch of luck, it requires a combination of strategy, discipline, math, analytics, and skill. Regardless of whether you’re just getting started or hoping to make it big in the poker world, there are certain rules to be followed.

Apart from the basic game rules in poker, there are certain rules you need to maintain for yourself. A strict bankroll, understanding your opponents, stakes to choose, picking the right game, and more. If you want to learn more, here’s the key to how it’s done:

1. Master the basics

Know the fundamentals:

That is basically where it starts – understanding the fundamental facts of the poker game. Learning the basic rules equips you with the ability to understand other complex strategies and compete firmly, with some of the best in the business. Or else, you’ll be just another fish (slang for a weak poker player) at the table.

Learn the rules:

Find out how the game works and what the principles are. The knowledge you will gain from learning will help you in making decisions and identifying opportunities during the gameplay. Once you understand the basic rules, start home games with friends. Only once you master these and move on to intermediate rules and learning should you consider playing paid games, online or live.

2. Study the game

Study the table:

Find out how tables are modelled and pay close attention to how people play poker and their habits. Now use that knowledge and formulate your strategies. A season veteran like Aditya Agarwal would have a different gameplay style than a complete newbie, so do your homework accordingly.

Research probabilities:

Being a game of skill, it is a game involving calculation. Analyse odds, outcomes, and probabilities in order to improve your decision-making skills. If you were that kid in school who always failed in math, maybe poker isn’t the game you want to make a career in!

Assess bad beats and coolers:

Get lessons from gains and losses in other aspects of life. This is why analysing bad beats is a good strategy as it throws light on the mistakes made by a player. Sometimes, you may do everything right in a particular hand but still end up losing. Understand variance and learn to deal with such bad beat losses gracefully. Or else, your future gameplay in that session will get affected too.

3. Practice consistently

Practice, practice, practice:

The essence is to be consistent. Have devoted time in regular practice either in casual apps or even in match sessions. Please do employ effective practice but take a break and rest from time to time so you can fully concentrate during key events.

Skills Required to Succeed

1. Patience and composure:

Don’t ever let your bad hand show. Poker is more of a brain game that favours patience and the ability to use tactics in a time of pressure.

2. Mental deduction:

Use mental calculation skills to estimate chances and make the right strategies while playing.

3. Read the room:

Look for tells that help to try and understand how a player plays and how they make their decisions. This is more applicable in live poker than in online set-ups.

4. Confidence and guts:

Poker favours the bold. After all the mathematical calculations of your moves, you should appear decisive. This means that a player needs to blaze when one wants to stay in a game or else go out when the chances are not good.

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ALSO READ: Indian Poker Players: Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps

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When Are You Ready to Play Poker?

1. You can read opponents:

Catching them making errors, thinking one or two steps ahead, and learning when they are bluffing. This skill puts a candidate in a very privileged position.

2. You can bluff seamlessly:

Bluffing—become unpredictable and do an excellent job of camouflaging your motives and next moves. However, don’t consistently bluff or you will be found out at the table.

3. You know when to fold:

Timing is of the essence and knowing that you have to fold is something that can be quite important. Strategies are not only for making wins but also for avoiding suffering heavy losses to the bank. Remember that when in doubt, fold it out!

4. You’re ready for the big leagues:

After your regular practice and being prepared to sit with your ability, jump into professional poker.

Take the Next Step: Joining the Big Leagues

Join tournaments:

To gain experience and try out new strategies, you can try entering local or online poker tournaments. Once you’ve created enough of a bankroll from online poker, try domestic tournaments like DPT, IPC in places like Goa. Once you’ve saved up even more, you can start trying the Asian circuit as well. If you’re planning a trip overseas to play poker, reach out to Gutshot and we can help you with some exclusive benefits.

Try online poker platforms:

Playing in online tournaments provides practice and the opportunity to face different opponents, as well as builds confidence while playing in the comfort of your home.

Research mentors and poker rooms:

Always choose a good mentor who can be effective in your learning experience. Seek out the groups and clubs where you can find like-minded people to connect and learn from because reputed poker rooms give a safer environment to learn and practice more.

Ready to Start Your Poker Journey?

Gutshot Magazine is here to guide you! From the latest poker news and industry updates to expert tips, we’ve got everything you need to excel. Follow us to stay informed and step into the exciting world of poker.

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