Professional players would say that poker is not even quality gambling. They don’t mean this literally, as clearly the wagering of cash against an outcome that is beyond the reasonable control of the individual is gambling, however what poker players mean is the fact that while they are skilled enough at the game, they may eliminate a lot of the risk that is a fundamental part of most forms of wagering. In short, they have a distinct advantage by playing poker.

Prior to deciding to even sit at a poker table, you are able to employ lots of tactics to give you an advantage.

You have at your disposal many books and strategy items available both on and offline for learning to play properly. Sklansky, Brunson, and many other well recognized poker players have excellent books available. In addition to the card counting Blackjack books, where are you able to get that level of support from any other game? Certainly not Roulette! There is no excuse for a ‘novice’ to enter a casino not fully prepared for the challenges ahead. The new player can be full of theory (and having practised for relatively small stakes online) be nothing short of fully prepared when they wager their first chip in to the live poker pot.

Joining a big poker forum will likely give you the chance to analyse hands as well as have your opinions discussed and debated by more capable players. Do not be disheartened in the event that you are mocked or blasted for your ‘bad’ postings on strategy, these people who criticise may indirectly put thousands of dollars into your pocket with their good advice, however direct they may be.

The truth that you will be not playing against the house but other players is obviously a huge advantage. The home edge in casinos is built into the games and impossible to beat within the long-term. Poker, on the other hand, you are encouraged to win because that both keeps you within the game and maintains the rake (the portion of the pot the poker room takes out of each pot for hosting the game). If you use the correct amount of bankroll management and discipline you may win short, medium and long-term. Unfortunately many gamblers by nature are not disciplined, and don’t exercise sensible practices when betting, but as an excellent poker player you may take advantage of this inadequacy and win their money. Business is business after all.

By employing good strategy over a long period, any lucky or unlucky streaks balance out over-time. Therefore the only difference between players is their starting hands selection and their skill. There are actually millions of bad players because of the massive coverage poker is getting at the moment. The prize funds on offer online and offline are unprecedented in sports.