Can I make money playing poker?

This question is actually a combination of two separate questions. The first being, "is it possible to make money playing poker"? The second being "do I have what it takes"?

The first question has a very simple answer. Yes, it’s physically possible to make money playing poker. There are players out there (including this site's editors) who are doing it today. However, it’s certainly not an easy undertaking. It’s estimated that 80% (possibly even more) lose money playing the game. An additional 15% merely break even, and only 5% actually make money consistently. So while it’s quite possible that you can make it to that 5% group, you shouldn’t expect the road to profitability to be a simple one.

The answer to the second question is a bit more complex in nature, as there are quite a few characteristics that make a winning poker player. If you’ve ever watched poker on TV, you’ve undoubtedly seen a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, all playing seemingly different styles. The good news is that poker success is not reserved for math geniuses, or for loudmouth mavericks who can throw chips around. Virtually anyone with discipline, good money management, a willingness to learn about the game, and a shred of intelligence can make a profit playing poker.

Before you throw any serious money at the game of poker, you should really take some time to do some self analysis, and ask yourself the following questions.

1. Discipline
   Am I a disciplined person? Do I have the dedication to stick to things, even when they’re not going well, or am I the type to quickly throw in the towel? Can I keep my emotions relatively under control to avoid playing badly?
   
   
2. Money Management
   Am I good at keeping tabs on my money? Am I willing to face up to my losses, and view my results realistically? Do I have a tendency to gamble more when I’m losing, or do I have the self-control to realize I’m not playing well and cut my losses short?
   
   
3. Willingness to Learn about the Game
   Am I willing to constantly think about and analyze my own plays? Am I willing to objectively accept criticisms from others about it?

If you can’t answer yes to most or all of these questions, you probably don’t have what it takes to make money playing poker. However, if you’re willing to recognize your weaknesses and take measures to correct and/or compensate for them, you are probably well on your way to showing a profit at the poker tables.