Professional Poker: The Essential Guide to Playing for a Living

• #46 in Best Gambling Books
• #50 in Best Poker Books

20 Reviews

Sort by: Most Helpful ▲ Date Rating

This book is an excellent example of the market working to meet the needs of the customer as more and more people are considering giving up their day jobs to become professional poker players. It's hard to argue with some of the financial numbers. Word of Prahlad Friedman's deeds as Spirit Rock on ultimatebet.com have dazzled many into wishing they could play full-time. The glamour of constructing your own life is self-evident. You make your own hours, you have no boss, and you work at a game you love. Heck, even the course of study is enjoyable as many of the poker texts are highly entertaining. Many of us salivate at the thought of leading the type of life we see guys like Gus Hanson lead.

Our author, Mark Blades, a former valedictorian who opted for a career in the card room, is a voice of sobriety when it comes to the issue of "quitting your day job." He is a professional who has excelled at the game and continues to do so. Here, he provides us with sage advice. Not making it is a very real possibility and Blades has run across more than his share of bust outs while making the big bucks. In these pages, he examines every iota of what being a pro is and how you'll know if you're ready (if you'll ever be). He isn't afraid to share with readers that if they're don't meet certain standards and conditions, they shouldn't even bother.

Blades has a lot of important things to say. He speaks both to the online and brick & mortar player. Of course, the lighter rake and the fact that one does not have to tip provide the internet with an advantage over actual casinos. However, the games in a casino can be much easier. The 2/4 game at the Tropicana is nowhere near as difficult as the ones you'll find at fulltilt.com. I really appreciated Blades' comment about the micro limits, and how no one should play there with the goal of making money. You go there to get better so you can move up. It'd be nice if the guy who called your raises with 5/9 offsuit got what was coming to him, but, when the fellow snaps your Aces it's sometimes hard to look at poker as one long session. Given what I've read in "Professional Poker," I can honestly say that'll I'll be purchasing his future release, "The Mental Game." There's no question that this guy has thought deeply about poker's intangibles, and has an enlightened view. Mark Blades puts the entire "turning pro" question into the proper perspective.

I stumbled across the author's website and read the rave reviews by some big poker names so I bought a copy. I was still a little worried because I had never heard a thing about Mark Blade before. Now that I've read the book, here's my reaction. It absolutely exceeded my most hopeful expectations. It's packed with useful info for any poker player, not just pro wannabes. There are a bunch of clever techniques on how to always stay mentally sharp while you play and not let bad beats affect you. Everyone can use these. There are some playing strategy tables that I've never seen before and I've read a lot of poker books. One table about card combinations turns something that is very tricky mathematically into something that I can definitely use with some practice. I was considering taking a shot at the WSOP this year and I think this table could really help my chances if I decide to. The only negative reaction you might have is if you think that this book will teach you every single thing about playing the game, such as starting hands. It gives a lot of advanced tips on some things but it's not exactly a `how to play holdem' book. But it really teaches all the things that those other books don't teach you like picking the right games or tables or if you should play in tournaments or not and which ones. There's a super advanced course on bankrolls that is a real eye opener. I could go on and on about all the other things covered. I just can't imagine that anyone who is into poker won't be into this book.

As a long time recreational and professional hopeful this book seemed a logical step if it lived up to the title. I was not disappointed. There is information here that is found nowhere else in as much detail that is absolutely crucial to consider if you want to play for a living. Although I consider myself a highly competent player one of the questions that I have pondered for a long time is "Should I quit my day job" has finally been answered to my complete satisfaction by Mark Blade. One of my good friends actually did quit his day job and jumped into full-time poker but lasted only eight months before blowing through a mid five-figure bankroll plus an additional borrowed eight thousand. I gave him a copy of this book and later talked with him about the bankroll and game size decisions he had made during his "shot" and he said that if he had had this book two years ago it could have "saved his [poker] life..." ( He went back to work and has not played much poker since.) Buy the book, read the book if you have any aspirations of playing for a living. Can't recommend it enough.

First of all nobody read the LyingThief's post. I have nothing against criticism but he gives no informtion to back his thoughts up. All he says is that if you are experienced you shouldn't read this. I find that rather foolish, I've heard many of the biggest names, Barry Greenstein, Dan Harrington, Howard Lederer, etc. constantly read poker books (much of which I'm sure they already know) but its great to look at things from a different point of view. Anyway, Mark Blade goes over in detail what you need to do to play for a living. His bankroll and money management sections I've never seen written in such depth. Teaches you how to come up with plan if you are going to do this for a living. Instead of just getting a few thousand and moving to vegas to go on a run. Its much more detailed. After you've developed a good strategy on how to win at poker you need to get this book so you can learn to make money in poker. Thats what the differnece is about htis book just because you knwo how to win at poker doesn't mean you know how to make money at poker. If Doyle Brusnon isn't your uncle and annie duke not your mom's tea buddy then you need to get this to learn how to make money in poker.

I bought this book about 3 months ago. And it is definatly a must have for any poker player who is serious about making poker a profession. The book itself doesn't really dicuss on poker stradegys, but more on insist of a professional poker player. It starts with a chapter theme called "So... You want to quit your day job?" Which is a great slap in the face for everyone. I have read the book many times over, and has improved not only my game... but also my money management techniques.
I recommend this book to people who are already above-average poker players, because some of the topics are advanced. I'm currently a semi-pro living in Japan, making about $15-20k a month. I'm going to step up when I get back to the states. This book has greatly increased my chances for success!

I read it from cover to cover rather fast, trying to get to enlightning info. Ofcourse there was a lot of Very helpful info. But essential is not the word I would use. Most of the book refers to higher limit play per hour, and being honest with youself about your hour rate of winnings. Since most of the newbies play no-limit, he just says things like our bankroll and winnings are harder to gauge.

Also he is VERY stringent in what he wants you to follow as a guide for playing, bankroll and other things. If you dont follow these "Guidelines" he is washing his hands of you. I do know that most players on the tour are struggling due to other outside "gambling or other vices" so telling us to stay clear of those is great advice but who really doesnt know that? Again its good info and I think all aspiring pros should read it for some insight and it will help. But be forewarned its not NO-Limit player specific.

one of those books that, if you need it, you need a lot more than this book; and if you don't, why bother? I purchased the book in expectation of enlightenment about the ins and outs of professional play, preparation, perhaps an itinerary: I received well, too well, traveled pathways and worn information. I sent the book back. You will probably send the book back, too, if you have any of a half dozen titles on your shelves. I give it 1 star because the other reviewers (perhaps the author in disguise? or his family?) gave it 5. Had they been more honest, I may have given it 2. I would not have given it 2 after sitting down to evaluate it, but in retrospect that may have been emotional reaction.

Thumbs down. Look elsewhere.

Okay, a review is well...an opinion. And there seem to be a lot of pros and cons about this book. One reviewer even suggested that one of the author's friends had written a review. I wonder now, perhaps THAT reviewer is one of the author's enemies? :)

Come now, let's forget all about that, and consider this question: "What will this book do for my Poker playing?" The answer is simple: It will teach you the absolutely most important aspect in poker playing, that of discipline. Oooh I can hear you already "Discipline? What, I have to meditate or something?" Nope. I'm talking about "know when to (Texas) hold 'em, and know when to run." That's it. If you can master this one important aspect, you will be playing Poker for PROFIT. This book will teach you, or at the very least, point you onto that RICH path.

Happy playing

I like this book because it teaches u how much money u need to play in different limits, when to move up in limits, and when you are in over your head.

A must read for any poker fan. If you love poker and want to do it with your life, or are just on the outside looking in, this is a must read for you. I loved this book and everything about it, Mark Blade was extremely helpful in more ways than one. If you don't get this book, you are missing out!!!!

Book a little misleading. The title should read "Professional Limit Poker."
For Limit players mostly. 90% of material applies to Limit poker. Not alot of info or advice for No Limit or tournaments. I found this frustrating since I am a NO LIMIT player....

Alot of the information presented in this book is found in other poker books, and in more detail in other books, also the authur of the book kept referencing to his website, but I found his website to be a huge advertisment and not too helpfull.

A few pros: Nice hand analysis, Good bankroll / money management chapter (again for mostly limit players) reverse implied odds, some good ideas and advice for a semi-pro player regarding taxes, backing, family life, selling shares of yourself, insurance..ect, and some good advise and tips on the "poker mind" regarding emotional wellbeing, accepting bad beats, not going on tilt..ect..ect..

Alot of information covered in other books and alot of common sense for some of us that have been playing before the "poker boom" started.
Also, the authur mentions a list of "must read" books as well...mostly Sklansky. I agree with some of the recomondations, but not all of them, and he never mentions DAN HARRINGTON's books, which he should of.

For a no-limit player, I would say either borrow the book from someone and read a few chapters, or buy it real cheap, or dont bother at all..
If you are a BEGINER limit player, you WILL find the book very usefull. Unfortunatly, I didnt.

if you are an advanced cardplayer take a pass on this book,this book is basic Common Sense and thats it..


just another C grade pro trying to cash in.

This book is not just for the want to be pro, it's for anyone who wants to take poker to the next level. The section on Money Matters will blow you a way. If you want to find out if you have what it takes or are a winning poker player, this is the book for you. THANK YOU MARK! Your suggestions might have saved my poker carrer (I'm not ready to go pro, but will be soon).

Anyone wondering about the possibility of playing poker for a living should get this book. For those like me who are working at a boring but decent paying job, it gives a complete picture of what you are giving up and the lifestyle you are going to and what you need to know to have a
chance at being successful, should you decide to make poker your career.

I'm not much of a reader, but I enjoyed reading this one and it went relatively fast. The book itself is well organized and very easy to read and digest. I think it's full of practical advice if one is serious about making a living playing poker.

I'm looking forward to reading his other books, especially "The Mental Game".

Been there, read that for the most part. Not a bad book per se, but the least helpful I have read.

This book told me exactly what I wanted to know: how/what you need to become a pro poker player. If you are thinking of making a living out of playing poker this is the book you want to read first (assuming you already know the game, of course).

This book will answer most if not all of the questions about playing poker for a living. It focus alot on limit poker but has useful info for no-limit games as well.

Overall this is a good read. The book is well written, covers a variety of issues in regards to playing poker full time, and it is entertaining. Not the best poker book I have ever read, but it certainly shines some light on the day-to-day life of a professional poker player.

This book is great for anyone seriously considering playing poker for a living or even if you just treat the game as more than a hobby. It will force you to ask yourself some tough questions before taking the leap.

If this book was a starting poker hand, it would be pocket aces.

Blade's "Essential Guide to Playing for a Living" is just that. I publish a book on recreational gambling that is straightforward with people and does not perpetuate the myths that have been costing people money at casinos for forever. Just the chapters on "How Much Money Do You Need?" and "Can You Control Wins & Losses Through Money Management?" make the book more than worth the price of admission. If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail is what this boils down to, but instead of some Boy Scout platitudes about being prepared, Blade gives very detailed and reasoned instructions on how and why you should do what he recommends.

The book does focus on limit cash games, but if that's where the money is--not the celebrity, but the consistent money--then who am I to complain that the book doesn't go into a lot of details on the currently popular no-limit games and tournaments? What do you think Doyle Brunson and other poker celebrities used to do before the no-limit format, the WSOP and the WPT got to be so big?

You can lose with pocket aces though, and Blade does get a little too self-promotional at times, but his comments on how to constructively deal with bad days, weeks and months do give good perspective on how to keep yourself going mentally through the tough times. If you've ever played for a living, you know that you need every mental edge you can get during a streak of bad luck, and I appreciated the insights that this author offers.

So if you want to give a poker career a shot, at least this book prepares you for some of the non-card playing technical aspects of the game, like bankroll, as well addressing the personal, career, mental and physical stamina issues that other books don't cover as thoroughly.