ASK THE PROS: How to Make the Big Leap

Josh Arieh answers questions from you, the reader, on how to make the jump from playing poker as a hobby to playing as a profession

March 26, 2007

Compiled by Bodog Nation Contributing Writers

As one of the most prolific members of Team Bodog, Josh Arieh has gone head-to-head with some of the toughest players in the biz. He has two World Series of Poker bracelets and his career winnings total more than $4 million. He plays with a cocky, high-pressure, pedal-to-the-metal style that's almost as famous as he is.

It seems there are many Bodog Nation readers who are at that crucial point where they are considering taking their game to the next level. Arieh tackles many of these questions in this edition of Ask the Pros.

For me, turning pro wasn't a decision I made, it was something that just kind of happened. I have always played poker, well at least since I was 18, and it has been a great source of income since then. In the beginning of 1999 I quit my last job to start my own business (a private courier firm). I ended up getting screwed out of the business by the guy I was going to partner with, so my only source of income was poker at the time.

Josh Arieh has been making money playing poker since he was 18. (IMPDI 2006, for the WSOP).

I began to play more and more, and was considered one of the best rounders around Atlanta at the time. I decided to hit the road and play some tournaments and had great success, winning my first WSOP bracelet in May of 1999.

I kind of got a bit off the topic, but my best advice is just take it as it comes. When you are confident enough that a "real job" would end up costing you money because of the hours that it takes away from your poker, that's when it's time to start rounding. Best of luck to you when you finally decide to turn pro. Take it slow and don't allow yourself to tilt. There is always a poker game somewhere, so there's no need to be playing if you're not at the top of your game.

Man, I know how you feel. It's definitely the worst feeling in the world thinking that your opponent is going to beat you no matter what happens. You have to ask yourself one question: Are your opponents getting better, or are they just getting lucky? If they are getting better, it's up to you to improve as well. If they are getting lucky, just stick to what you are doing and the old adage "the cream will rise to the top" will soon take place.

Don't be afraid to take a chance at a bigger game once in a while. Wait until you are feeling real good about your game and until you see a game that looks ripe for the picking. If you take a hit, go back to the game that you beat on a regular basis. If you win, don't be afraid to take another shot at the game. That's how everyone moves up in limits. Unfortunately everyone isn't blessed with a huge bankroll to start playing big limits right away. If you're good enough (and lucky enough), you will put together a few good sessions in a row and you will have an adequate bankroll to play 5-10 NL on a regular basis.

I'm not saying jump right up into the 5-10 game, I'm simply saying, take a shot at the 2-4 or 3-6 game... if you find it's too hard, go back down to what you're comfortable at. I think 5-10 NL is the goal to make a good living as a pro. Best of luck in your mission. Keep me posted on how it works.

I'm not a tax person, so I would hate to give you tax advice. I will tell you this: I file as a professional poker player and I do not live in Las Vegas. Oh, and yes I make more than $10,000 a year. Hope that helps you.

P.S. If you are interested in filing as a pro poker player, I would advise you to contact a CPA.

If you are a proven player with good networking skills, it's quite easy to find investors. Poker is very popular these days and there is a lot of dead money out there. A winning player can make great money in poker. My best advice is start on your own. It's much easier on you if you start small and build up yourself. That way you get to make all the decisions yourself and never have to answer to anyone. Don't be afraid to start small. If you're good enough you can get in a game that makes you about $1,000-$2,000 a week in no time.

Don't rush it though. A poker player's worst enemy is lack of patience. Every top player out there has paid his dues. Even Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey were playing $1-$2 limits at one time or another. I have very clear memories of driving home from $2-$4 limit poker games and slapping myself in the head because I lost $100! Losses come, you can bet on that. But it's the great players who learn from those losses and use them as a strong foundation for a long career of winning poker.

PHOTO: Josh Arieh, seen at the 2006 WSOP, has won more than $4 million in his poker career. (IMPDI 2006, for the WSOP)