How to Make Money Playing Poker? A Complete Guide for Beginners and Intermediates

For many people, poker is just a form of entertainment, while for others it can be a serious source of income—even a full-time job. The question is valid: is it really possible to earn money consistently from playing poker, and if so, how should you start? This article walks you through the steps to not just play poker but to win in the long run.

Poker Is Not a Game of Luck, But a Game of Decisions

Many believe that poker is purely a game of luck, but that's only partially true. In the short term, you can get unlucky, of course, but in the long run, success depends on your knowledge and the quality of your decisions. That’s why professional poker players don’t see themselves as gamblers but more like investors or athletes. To succeed, you need strategic thinking, analytical skills, mental stability, and continuous learning.

Learning Comes First

To make money from poker, you first need to learn the fundamentals of the game and then gradually deepen your knowledge. Here are the key areas to start with:

Basic Strategy

The rules of Texas Hold'em (the most common variant)
Starting hand selection based on position
Concepts like pot odds, implied odds, and expected value
The difference between aggressive and passive play

Recommended Learning Resources

Books:

Jonathan Little: Strategies for Beating Small Stakes Poker Tournaments
Ed Miller: The Course
David Sklansky: The Theory of Poker
Jared Tendler: The Mental Game of Poker

Websites and Videos:

UpswingPoker.com
PokerStrategy.com
YouTube: Doug Polk Poker, Raise Your Edge, Jonathan Little

Software Tools:

Equilab
PokerTracker or Holdem Manager
GTO+ or PioSolver

Poker

Where Should You Play?

If your goal is to make money, the choice of platform matters. You want a reliable site with an active player base, strong security, and a transparent withdrawal process.

What Game Type Should You Choose?

Cash Games

Fixed blinds
You can join or leave at any time
Lower variance, ideal for steady improvement

Sit and Go

6–9 player mini-tournaments
Faster-paced, good for practicing decision-making

MTT (Multi-Table Tournaments)

Larger tournaments across multiple tables
Small investment with big prize potential, but high variance

Zoom, Spin & Go

Fast-paced and luck-heavy
Not recommended for long-term profitability

For beginners, micro stakes cash games (e.g., NL2 or NL5) and low buy-in SnGs or MTTs are good starting points.

Bankroll Management – The Key to Survival

Managing your money is one of the pillars of professional poker. Never play with money you can’t afford to lose, and always have enough reserves to handle variance.

Suggested Bankroll:

Cash games: At least 25–30 buy-ins
MTTs: 100–200 buy-ins
Sit & Go: 50–100 buy-ins

Without proper bankroll management, even the best players can go broke.

The Importance of the Mental Game

Poker isn’t just about math—it’s also about how you handle stress, bad luck, and your own emotions. A poor decision made in frustration (known as going on tilt) can cost you hours of hard work.

To build mental resilience, consider:

Meditation, exercise, and conscious rest
Keeping a poker journal and reflecting on your sessions
Reading books by Jared Tendler on mental game

How to Keep Improving?

To stay successful, you must analyze your own play. Use tracking software, review hand histories, and engage in forums like TwoPlusTwo or poker-related Discord communities where you can discuss hands with experienced players.

Legal and Tax Considerations

In Hungary, online poker is not illegal, but tax rules can be unclear. For providers operating within the European Union (e.g., PokerStars.eu), winnings are currently not taxed, but this could change. If you start earning significant profits, it's always best to consult a tax advisor.

Conclusion: Can You Make a Living From Poker?

Yes, it is possible to make a living from poker, but it's not for everyone. Success requires just as much discipline, study, and strategic thinking as any serious profession. For those willing to invest time, energy, and patience, poker can become not just a fun hobby but a real source of income.