Step 1: Set Some Goals

So, you have decided to start playing NLHE and want to make a profit? Me too! 

But, you don't want to spend all that time reading millions of forum posts that will probably never help you? Don't feel like reading poker sites, some of which make your eyes want to bleed?

Well, then I may be able to help. I am going to stay away from anything too involved for a while, so don't expect any hectic formulas or anything. If you want that stuff, Cardschat or 2+2 is where you want to be. (I recommend the former over the latter)

First things first, before you even register at a poker site, (If you haven't done so already) set some goals. They may be very general or very specific, you decide. 

*Just as a side note, never let anyone dictate how you should play your game. If you do this you are almost guaranteed to lose. Play where, what and how you feel comfortable, keep what works, change what doesn't. If you are over bankrolled and your mates are pushing you to move up but you don't feel ready, just stay put.

Anyways, on that philosophical note, back to the list of goals. Here's mine, use it, don't use it...

Before you start:

Set some goals

Read a poker book

Learn the maths (or at least be aware of it)

Learn about Bankroll Management (BRM)! (more on this in future posts)

Research rakeback (a little known goldmine)

Choose poker sites based on your research (if you have the cash, I suggest rakeback over free deposits)
Choose a game type (Cash Games, MTTs or SNGs)

Make 1 deposit on 1 site (this is your starting Bankroll, now no more deposits for a while)

Every Session:
Use proper game selection (Look for tables that pay, more to come)

Practice good BRM (Critical!)

Always buy in for the maximum and top up if needed

Learn to identify when you go on tilt and activate the killswitch

Apply the maths

Try some multi-level thinking (more on this in future posts)

Be patient, remain calm and focused

Short Term (3-6 Months):

Know the maths

Practice multi-level thinking

Realise a decent profit (this is flexible - I am aiming for 5x my current BR)

Increase number of simultaneous tables to 6 online
Up the stakes from $2NL to $10NL on FT

Up the stakes from R20NL to R100NL on Piggs

Buy tracking software

Check and record stats once a month

Read 2 poker books

Play more live games 

Mid Term (6-12 Months): 

Increase number of simultaneous tables to 8 online

Up the stakes from $10NL to $20NL on FT

Up the stakes from R100NL to R200NL on Piggs

Win a 4 figure tournament on Piggs

Play loads of live games 

Long Term (1-2 Years):

Increase number of simultaneous tables to 10 online

Up the stakes from $20NL to $100NL on FT

Up the stakes from R200NL to R1000NL on Piggs

Win a 4 figure tournament on FT

Win consistently at these stakes

Pay for a poker trip with poker winnings

Move entire BR to FT

Up the stakes from $100NL to $200NL on FT

Super Long Term (2-5 Years):

Up the stakes from $200NL to $1000NL on FT

Win a 5 figure tournament on FT

Win consistently at these stakes

Pay for the bills with poker winnings

Ok, now that we have covered the goals, lets move on to the next step.