HErrrooo...

I've been playing for quite sometime 2-3 times a week 1-2/NL cash. Compared to the past I have really stepped up my game. I finally understand most of the basic fundamentals of the game but even with all that. I have a decent ability to think about each hand and im starting to pick up on the betting tenancy's of average players blah blah blah.Okay anyway unfortunately I'm deploying overseas for 7 months and wont have any opportunity to play with solid players. When I get home I plan on committing 45/65BIs to 1/2nl. Now I have 2 questions going forward ... 1. how can I keep my game as sharp as it is with not being able to play for 7 months besides reading books lol I HAVE 4 new cash game books im taking with me. Secondly if im going to commit to playing professionally do you guys recommend 45/65 BIs at 1/2nl or 20/25 BIs at 2/5nl. Ive played 2/5nl and beat the game a few times I find it a more juicer and more challenging game quite frankly I love it I just dont know if im deep enough I have about 1/2nl250BI* bank roll I dont want to commit it all to poker though hah its my pillow.

I know its alot to take in I just want to know your thoughts thanks!

I LOVE THIS GAME

I love your enthusiasm, no offense but it does not sound like you have been doing this for a very long time, so please try to not lose that. Love and passion for the game is one factor that is necessary to being a great player that can only come from within.

I would not recommend playing full time at any casino in the US (due to rake), at any lower than 2/5. and 25 buyins is nice but really not enough to go full time, it's a great part time bankroll though. Here is the thing about playing full time that you can only understand with the experience of it, but it is absurdly stressful if you are not financially prepared.

You have given us information on half of the battle, which is your poker game. But the other half, your non poker life, is also very important. We don't need to know the exact details of your life. But consider these factors

- The difference between doing this as a single or married person is massive. If you are the only one you depend on, then this will be much easier. If you are with a woman, even just a girlfriend this will be much more difficult, not impossible just difficult.

- Find out your monthly expenses, people recommend having 6 months put away before going pro, this is the absolute minimum you would want. If you can get a fully year set aside, even better, the more the better, always.

- Think of all of the things that can get in your way and ultimately cause you to fail in your professional en devour. Most people who play full time end up going broke and not able to do it forever. The reason for this is a lack of a plan for realistic things that can get in their way. Think in the direction of: downswings, feeling like your skill has plateaued, break even stretches, the increasing skill of players around you, the increasing rake.

- In a similar light to the last point, and the one I will leave off on. Make sure you never forget what got you this confidence for poker. Hard work and love for the game. You can NEVER stop loving poker and you can NEVER stop putting a ton of work and dedication into improving your game AWAY from the tables. No full time player has the ability to do this without the games passing them by.

I honestly wish the best of luck to you man, but know that the odds are stacked against you.

Taking everything you've said into consideration maybe part time is the best option...

My next question to you would be bank roll size and management ...
Mainly are my earnings going 100% back into poker? Or can I do like 15% investments 15%leisure and 70% broll.. what would you recommend .

Thanks troy.

A few of my friends are pros for example one has $50k bankroll and the other has a bankroll of over 1 million. They both draw $3300 a month off which is a great wage here in the uk £2000 a month, so if you can afford I would try to do this after your first 6-12 months of building and living off your saved funds as the previous reply states.

sounds like your basing your go pro decision on your bankroll more then your sucess or experience. sounds like you should take the nice check youll get when you get home, put a nice 50BI and play ur normal stakes until your killing it. then when you will have the BR and knowhow to move up stakes thereby adding profit and being able to do full time.
Good luck sir.

1/2 live is so bad you could get away with 10 BIs but good christ what a miserable way to make a living. If you're gonna play 40+ hours a week at a card room move up to 2/5 if you have the roll.

It's a good start and you have a very good spirit and confidence so play it right and don't let yourself tilt

While overseas try some training sites and software programs some of which you can modify the game, your opponents and the get feedback on hands played. Great tool to keep you on your game.
Sent from my XT901 using 2+2 Forums

Give it your best shot

GL and remember rinse and review.

Have a friend who grinds it in BH, and i mean it wears on him. Long long hours, its tough in CO as 100 max bet makes the 30 60 game the best game in my opinion, if your rolled for it!
1-2 though can hurt you, i think its easier to lose a good bit then win a good bit. A true 2/5 game i would think would be much easier to have steady hourly rate.

Best of luck.