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no offense, but if every kid who dreamed of going pro took your advice, there'd be about 7 pros in the whole world. people like to get on 2 + 2 and preach about how to be "responsible" but i suspect their preaching is really just a way of validating their own inflated egos, by surreptiously informing everyone that they've "been around the block" and that they know "what's up" and that they give the "right advice".

the only problem is, it's the wrong advice. playing this game professionally is like wrestling a lion. it's not to be conquered with your to-do lists, or your conventional notions of what constitutes "responsibility". and no guy who plays it that safe is going to match up for squat against guys who've put everything on the line repeatedly for the game.

players who are considering going pro should simply do it and either succeed, or fail spectacularly and get it out of their system.

what's really damaging and irresponsible is tell someone to overprepare, make substantive changes to their living and financial arrangements, before going pro. before you and others will give them your approval to do so.

rubbish. the time to go pro is when you're young enough or free enough to do so without having to invest months or years of time to make it possible. the time to go pro is not when you've taken people's absurd advice and amassed a $50,000, 100-buy-in bankroll which you will then in all likelihood proceed to LOSE. the time to go pro is with the $10000 you made off that last tourney, in the summer when you can lapse right back into a normal school life if you go bust. the time to go pro is when your wife divorces you and you find yourself free with a capital f.

stop trying to make poker "safe" by giving people homework when there's nothing safe about it. the potential downside of going pro is exactly equal to the effort, work, and money you put into it beforehand. and yet the upside doesn't change so much.

OP: ignore the advice you'll read in books, and here on the forums: start small and without a lot of fuss, then reevaluate down the line. when it comes to going pro you really want to see the flop before making your decision. don't be afraid to limp in and see that flop for $10 bucks nevermind that people will tell you you need 50K to play.


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First and hopefully last post if that is going to be the standard.

OP was at least asking a sensible question. Whether it is right for him only he knows but he was asking for advice.

Stu Unger - wow what a great example. A man that could have had it all but died a lonely, broke, druggie.

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Wow, I am glad you made the 2nd post because I obviously didn’t understand your 1st properly. You are right no doubt.

OP please ignore my original post. Now borrow $10K from friends, family or credit card and buy into the next WSOP ME. Win about $8 Million and then go on to be a TV star playing high stakes poker and amassing further fortunes.

Alternatively buy $10K worth of lottery tickets and win millions. Some people have done it.

Not sure what is more +EV out of the 2 options but if you ask dfwdevil I am sure he will know.

Damn, I wish I had done that.