how to play professional poker?

Answer 1

Professional by definition means that you make your living playing poker. If you are asking how do you become a professional poker player there are no short cuts. Practice and study until you are good enough to quit your day job.

Answer 2

If you mean how to do this as a living, read some basic poker books (Theory of Poker by Sklansky is my recommendation) and practice a LOT (PC simulations, free online games) before even thinking about playing a cash game. Also note that tournament play is quite different from playing a cash game. You won't really learn much by watching poker on TV.

Answer 3

I am by no means a professional, but I have heard from those that are that you need to have a separate amount of money for entry fees and another for living expenses. Daniel Negranu said in an interview "It isn't a professional stance if you have just put ALL of your money (meaning every dime you have) into a poker tournament because if you lose, you still need to pay your rent." That said, he mentioned that whatever you have, even before you're a pro, that you should allow only 5-10% of EXTRA money to go towards an entry fee. Good luck!

Answer 4

You must learn the game. Study, heck, even take lessons: http://www.church-of-texas-holdem.com/poker-lesson-poker-coach.html

Once you are a competent, winning player, you must set yourself goals and be disciplined about your game: http://www.church-of-texas-holdem.com/online-poker-cheat.html

Feel free to mail me if you are serious about becoming a professional poker player. I have taken that road myself. It's long and tricky, but it was worth it. I work from home and have a great lifestyle.

Answer 5

You have to place in a tournament that you pay to get into