It is not easy to convince family members to support your dream of pursuing poker as a profession. There is a high possibility that they might not take it seriously or disapprove vehemently when you tell them about your decision of becoming a professional poker player. As it is difficult for them to distinguish between poker and other luck-based cards games, they object strongly to your decision of playing poker to earn your livelihood. For them, it is financially risky and cannot give you any stability in life.

Here are the key truths about poker which can help you get your family and close friends on board with your decision:

Poker is a game of skills

There is no scope of “chance-based” gameplay in poker. It is a strategy based game which requires logical thinking, patience, observation, dedication, and decision-making ability to beat the opponents and win the hand. A player makes his moves after properly assessing the situation on the table. You need to learn the rules, regulation, and techniques of the game. After the game, you need to review the hands to find out your mistakes. Also, it is important to practice the game consistently to identify your strengths and eliminate your weaknesses.

Poker is not an addiction

Poker playing is a passion, not an addiction. You cannot stay in the game for long if you play mindlessly. It requires maintaining a proper bankroll to support the game when you play real stake poker tournaments. Online poker playing with real cash is not a violation of law in most of the states in India. You can easily make deposits on the gaming websites and withdraw your winnings in your bank accounts without any worries about the safety and privacy of your personal and financial information.

Poker teaches a lot of things about life

Poker is not just a game. It is an intelligent sport which teaches you a number of things which can greatly benefit in your life. You can learn how to maintain focus, deal with failure, analyze risk, control emotions, and make rational decisions in stressful situations.

You can earn fame as well as great money

There are thousands of players in India who are playing the game professionally  online or offline. Gaming websites host various cash games and tournaments with huge guaranteed prizes where players can participate with minimal buy-ins. Also, players can join national and international live poker tournaments such as DPT, WPT, WSOP, etc and win mammoth cash prizes.

Nikita Luther (India’s first female WSOP bracelet winner), Muskan Sethi (India’s first professional poker player honored by President of India for her achievements in the field of poker), Nipun Java, Abhishek Goindi, Aditya Agarwal, etc are some of the top players who have achieved the status of legends in the world of poker. These players have loads of fans who love to see their game on the tables and want to become a successful player like them.

Poker is easily accessible

Our parents grew up in the era where computers, mobile devices, and internet were in their infancy or didn’t even exist. Poker playing was only limited to casinos. Now, due to technical advancements, there is no need to travel long distances to play poker. You can participate in online cash games and tournaments in your spare time. Even if you want to become a full-time professional player, there is no need to quit your job and shut your business down. You can participate in national and international live poker tournaments and make a lot of money by showcasing your knowledge of the game and skills on the tables.

What’s most important that you must have confidence in your expertise and knowledge before reaching out to the family to tell them about your decision. NEVER try to keep it a secret from them. Be honest and let them know that pursuing poker as a profession is not a sudden decision but a carefully thought-out career plan. Let them know how serious you are and how much personal happiness and satisfaction matters to you along with financial stability.

If you need the support of people who are close to you, you need to instill trust in them. Also, let them know that you have a backup plan ready in case things don’t work out as planned.

Once they see your success on the poker tables, they will understand that it was the right decision for you to make.