uk professional gamblers

How Many Hours Does It Take to Become a Professional Poker Player?

How Many Hours Does It Take to Become a Professional Poker Player? Becoming a professional poker player is not a quick or easy journey. It requires thousands of hours of practice, discipline, and study. While there’s no universally agreed number of hours required, many players and experts estimate that it can take anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 hours to develop the skills necessary to compete at a professional level. This is often referred to as the “10,000-hour rule,” popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers, suggesting that to master any complex skill, at least 10,000 hours of dedicated practice is required.

The journey to becoming a professional poker player is unique for each individual. Factors like natural talent, access to resources, and the type of poker being played (e.g., Texas Hold’em, Omaha) can influence how long it takes. Some players may reach a professional level faster through coaching, online resources, and advanced study tools, while others might need more time to hone their game. In addition to the sheer volume of hours, it’s the quality of practice and learning that truly matters. Engaging in deliberate practice—actively analyzing hands, reviewing sessions, and learning from mistakes—is what ultimately separates recreational players from professionals.

5 Essential Skills to Hone:

1) Mathematical Aptitude Poker is fundamentally a game of probabilities and statistics. A successful poker player must have a strong understanding of pot odds, implied odds, and hand equity. Calculating the likelihood of winning a hand versus the size of the pot or the bet being called is crucial to making profitable decisions. Practicing mental math and using tools like equity calculators can sharpen this skill.

2) Emotional Control (Tilt Management) Staying emotionally balanced in the face of losing streaks (or “bad beats”) is one of the toughest challenges in poker. Many professional players highlight emotional resilience as a key differentiator between pros and amateurs. Tilt—emotional frustration that leads to poor decision-making—can devastate a poker session. Professionals must be able to remain calm and avoid letting their emotions dictate their actions.

3) Bluffing and Deception The art of bluffing is a skill that goes beyond just pretending to have a strong hand. It involves understanding your opponents’ tendencies, choosing the right moments to bluff, and knowing how to sell the story convincingly. Being able to read body language and pick up on betting patterns helps in mastering this vital skill.

4) Discipline and Patience Not every hand in poker is worth playing. The best players fold far more often than they play. Discipline is necessary to avoid impulsive calls or bets when the odds aren’t favorable. Patience, too, is critical—waiting for the right opportunities to strike while resisting the urge to chase losses or make rash decisions is essential for long-term success.

5) Hand Reading and Player Profiling Developing the ability to accurately read hands and categorize players is fundamental to winning in poker. This involves picking up on betting habits, timing tells, and physical tells in live games. The more accurately you can assess your opponents’ possible holdings, the better your decision-making will be.

Other Life Skills That Can Be Valuable:

Money Management: Professional poker players must manage their bankroll effectively. Mismanagement can lead to ruin, no matter how skilled a player is. Learning how to budget, control spending, and only play within one’s means is essential.

Resilience: Poker is filled with ups and downs. Resilience is necessary to bounce back from losses and continue improving without getting discouraged.

Networking: Poker is often about who you know. Building relationships with other players, getting invited to exclusive games, or securing sponsorship deals can be critical steps toward success.

Becoming a professional poker player is a long-term commitment that requires mastery of key skills, patience, and life management abilities. The combination of strategic thinking, emotional control, and disciplined practice are what ultimately separate the successful pros from those who only dream of making it.

Photo: Freepik

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley?

Image by freepik

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley? Barney Curley is a name that evokes a mixture of respect and fear among bookmakers and is celebrated as one of the most skilled and influential punters in modern history. His reputation, both as a relentless gambler and a man of principle, can be traced back to a pivotal moment at a Belfast race track over forty years ago.

Curley’s journey into the world of gambling began under tragic circumstances. His father, a grocer by trade, placed a significant bet on one of his own dogs at a race. Tragically, the dog fell and broke its neck at the first bend. The sight of his father walking back up the track, cradling the dead dog, left an indelible mark on Barney, shaping his future in the world of betting. This event, while devastating, fueled Curley’s drive to become one of the most formidable punters in the industry.

Following the incident, Curley’s father took drastic measures. He pulled Barney, the eldest of six children, out of school and took him to Manchester, where they both worked double shifts in a plastics factory for 15 months to pay off the debts incurred from the lost bet. This experience instilled in Curley a deep understanding of honor and pride. “My father wouldn’t come back to Ireland until everyone was paid,” Barney recalled, a lesson that, despite its harshness, became a cornerstone of his betting philosophy. Every winning bet Curley made thereafter was, in a way, retribution for the suffering he and his family endured during those tough months.

Curley did not initially start his career as a professional punter. At the age of 24, he ventured into the entertainment industry, managing bands, and later expanded into owning pubs and betting shops. However, his true passion lay elsewhere, and he eventually moved south of the border to focus solely on his punting career. “I wanted to prove myself,” he said. “You have to be out of the ordinary to make money.” His first major win of about £80,000 vanished quickly due to excessive drinking, a lesson that taught him the incompatibility of alcohol and gambling.

One of Curley’s most famous exploits was the ‘Yellow Sam’ coup in Ireland. In this meticulously planned operation, he and his team managed to net nearly £300,000 from a single race at the Mount Hanover Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown on June 25, 1975. The small country track had only one phone line, and Curley’s team ensured it was occupied, preventing bookmakers from communicating with their on-course representatives. Yellow Sam, a horse that had shown little promise in previous races, started as a complete outsider at 20/1 and won by a full 2½ lengths, making Curley a fortune.

Curley’s success in racing allowed him to live comfortably. He owned a seven-bedroom mansion near Newmarket, complete with an indoor swimming pool, and his driveway is graced by a Mercedes with the number plate “I BET.”

When asked what advice he would give to the average punter, Curley was characteristically candid. “It’s very difficult to make racing pay in the bookmakers’ shops with their computerized tracking systems and expert analysts. Always go to the course if you can. You will invariably get better prices by shopping around. The important thing is to control your emotions and don’t chase your losses. There’s always another day. I know my judgment of form is sound enough to pay off in the end.” This pragmatic approach sets Curley apart from many of his peers, as he recognizes that even the most seasoned punter can never guarantee a win.

Barney Curley Epic Rant

In conclusion, Barney Curley is a man of remarkable skill and determination. He was brought up to value hard work and integrity, and he used these principles to carve out a successful career in the challenging world of professional gambling.

Barney Curley passed away on the 23rd May 2021 (aged 81)

Photo: Freepik

by Barney Curley Barney Curley Rant professional gambler uk professional gamblers 0

Professional Gamblers Favourite Bets

Image by freepik

Professional Gamblers Favourite Bets All professional gamblers share one common goal: winning money from bookmakers. However, their strategies and philosophies can differ significantly. Let’s delve into the thoughts and tactics of three notable gamblers from past to present—Jack Ramsden, Alex Bird, and Harry Findlay—to uncover what makes a successful bet in their eyes.

Jack Ramsden: The Stockbroker-Turned-Professional Punter:

Jack Ramsden left his career as a stockbroker in 1980 to pursue a full-time career as a professional gambler. His success, like many other top punters, was built on analyzing speed figures and race times.

Ramsden had a clear stance on each-way betting: avoid it. He once reflected, “I analyzed my betting a couple of years ago and found that if I had doubled my win stakes instead of placing each-way bets, I would have been much better off. I think all punters would benefit by cutting out all each-way bets and sticking to singles.”

Ramsden was unique in that he employed his own bookmaker, Colin Webster. This partnership was unusual; Webster paid Ramsden £5,000 annually for his advice and also handled the task of placing bets with other bookmakers. Ramsden also had a fondness for multiple bets, viewing them as an extension of his strategy to target large prices. On four occasions, he won over £200,000 on multiple bets.

Alex Bird: The Original Professional Gambler:

Alex Bird is often regarded as one of the first professional gamblers to make a fortune at British racecourses after World War II. Initially working for his father, a bookmaker, Bird soon realized that the real money was on the other side of the betting ring. He developed various techniques to beat the bookmakers, but his most famous method involved betting on photo finishes.

In the days when photo finishes took around five minutes to develop, there was often an active betting market on the outcome. Bird observed that an optical illusion made it appear as though the horse on the far side had won when the horses crossed the line together. To counter this, Bird would stand at an elevated position near the winning post, close one eye, and create an imaginary line across the track. Using this technique, he reportedly placed 500 consecutive successful bets.

Bird also manipulated the betting market to his advantage. If he wanted to back a horse but found the odds too short, he would place a substantial bet on another horse in the same race, leaking this information to influence the odds. As the price of the horse he truly wanted to back drifted, his team would place bets across the country, maximizing his profits.

Here are Alex Bird’s Golden Betting Rules:

Avoid betting when there’s a change in the going—nothing disrupts form like a change in track conditions.
Be mindful of bookmakers’ overrounds—don’t bet when the odds are heavily in their favor, especially at smaller meetings.

Exploit each-way betting—focus on races with 8-10 runners that aren’t handicaps, oppose the favorite, and place each-way combination bets on the second and third favorites.

Look for promising apprentices—a good apprentice with a 7lb claim can be invaluable.

Never bet on the first show—most horses’ prices increase; taking second show prices can boost your winnings by 10% over a season.

Avoid betting in handicaps.

Steer clear of 3-year-old maidens, particularly those limited to fillies.

Harry Findlay: The Flamboyant High-Roller:

Harry Findlay is known for his bold, no-nonsense approach to gambling. He achieved fame and success, notably as the owner of Denman, one of the most talented novice chasers of its time.

On the nature of gambling, Findlay remarked, “If you look up gambling in the dictionary, it doesn’t say ‘this means a sure way to make a steady profit over time.’ It says ‘gambling: a form of interest that can either ruin you or make you a fortune,’ and that’s the way it is.”

Findlay was unapologetically direct about his approach to odds: “There’s no difference between getting 1-2 about a 1-4 chance and getting 4-1 about a 2-1 chance. People who say ‘I won’t bet odds-on,’ they’re just idiots. When you want to bet an odds-on shot, you can get on—when you want to bet a big-priced one, you can’t.”

On the subject of hedging, Findlay advised against it: “When you pick a 20-1 shot to win the Grand National, don’t have £200 at 20s and then go and lay £600 at 5-2 and, when it wins, get £2,500. If you believe in that 20-1 shot, have £200 at 20s, then another £300 at 14s, then £400 at 10s, and if it goes off at 5-2 or 11-4, don’t hedge if you still fancy it.”

These insights from Ramsden, Bird, and Findlay offer a glimpse into the diverse strategies that professional gamblers employ. Whether it’s Ramsden’s disdain for each-way bets, Bird’s meticulous photo finish strategy, or Findlay’s aversion to hedging, each has found success by following their unique approach to betting.

Photo: Freepik

by Alex Bird Harry Findlay Jack Ramsden Professional Gambler professional gambler uk professional gamblers 0

Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt

Image by freepik

Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt Clive Holt is a legendary figure in the world of professional gambling, known for his sharp insights and successful betting strategies. His words of wisdom are highly regarded, and his approach to horse racing is both disciplined and methodical. Unlike many punters, Clive prefers betting at the racecourse rather than in betting shops, attending races at least four times a week, particularly during midweek meetings. His success in betting has been so significant that major bookmakers like William Hill and Coral closed his accounts in 1978, finding it difficult to accommodate his winning streaks.

Clive’s journey into professional gambling began in a rather unexpected way. More than 30 years ago, a friend advised him to back a horse named “The Holt” running at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally). That simple suggestion sparked a passion that would lead Clive to make a comfortable living from betting. His interest in gambling can be traced back to his father, who owned a couple of greyhounds in the 1960s and showed Clive that betting could be profitable. One of the first principles Clive learned was that betting on singles was a relatively straightforward way to make a profit.

By March 1975, Clive was ready to commit to full-time punting, leaving behind his regular job. At first, his betting approach was somewhat haphazard, placing bets based on what his pockets could afford. He primarily bet on doubles and trebles, but he soon realized that this method was not yielding the best returns.

When Clive started out, he didn’t keep proper records of his bets. Operating on a week-to-week basis, he often found himself breaking even, with no way to accurately track his profits or losses. This lack of oversight bothered him, leading him to start treating betting as a business venture. He began meticulously recording his bets, analyzing his figures, and tracking his returns.

Reflecting on this period, Clive remarked, “It probably had the greatest influence on my future success. As the figures and percentages built up before me, it was clear that I was becoming more and more analytical.” With detailed records, Clive discovered that he was making nearly a 50% profit on his outlays. By focusing more on single bets, he could have increased that margin to over 60%. This insight prompted him to increase his stakes on singles, leading to shorter losing streaks and better money management.

Another key to Clive’s success was setting up a betting bank, a decision that took him seven years to feel confident enough to quit his day job. He recalls his first day as a full-time punter, heading to Chester on May 6, 1975, in a new Ford Ghia Capri, wearing a new suit, ready for his new career. His first bet of £67 to win £30 on a horse named Western Jewel paid off, with the horse winning by two lengths, setting the stage for a successful streak that followed.

In the six weeks after that bet, Clive made more money than he had in a year working for the Electricity Board. Despite his modest start, Clive has grown into a skilled and successful punter, though he never considers himself a big-time gambler. He typically bets no more than £1,000 at a time but has enjoyed a very rewarding career nonetheless.

Clive’s success is evident in his lifestyle, which includes luxury cars like Lotus, Jaguar, De Tomaso Pantera, and BMWs. His betting career has also afforded him and his family winter holidays in exotic locations such as the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, America, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. His success in betting has provided his wife and four children with a Listed Georgian Country House complete with a Coach House and Stables, set in acres of parkland near a major northern training center.

Clive acknowledges that had he not quit his job jointing electricity cables to pursue full-time betting, his life would have been very different. Interestingly, Clive has never felt the need to bet simply for the thrill of it. He believes he could stop betting altogether if he found another equally rewarding and challenging career.

When asked for advice to new professional punters, Clive emphasizes the importance of confidence in one’s selections. He says, “One vital ingredient for successful punting is that you’ve got to be confident that your selection can win. Horses with good recent form, preferably winning form, running against limited opposition within their class, when at their peak, progressing or improving, do win the majority of races all year round. They are a constant source of winners for anyone to exploit.” He further broadens this category with what he calls the “four Pros”: PROVEN, PROGRESSIVE, PROMISING, and PROFITABLE.

Clive Holt’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, record-keeping, and strategic thinking in betting. His success has allowed him to enjoy the finer things in life while proving that with the right approach, professional punting can indeed be a profitable and sustainable career.

Photo: Freepik

by clive holt professional gambler uk professional gamblers 0

Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris

Image by freepik

Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris Sidney Harris is a notable figure in the world of professional gambling, known for his remarkable transition from the stock market to horse racing. His journey into the world of horses began in his mid-forties, following a successful career as a stock market trader. One of his most famous moments occurred on Black Monday, October 19, 1987.

While many financial advisors were paralyzed by the market crash, watching their fortunes evaporate on their screens, Sidney saw an opportunity. During a lunch break, he placed a bet predicting that the market would continue to fall amidst public panic. His bet paid off handsomely, netting him over £60,000 on that chaotic day. Sidney was among the few who could spot a profitable opportunity in the midst of adversity.

After retiring from the stock market, Sidney dedicated his life to horse racing. Over time, he built a network of valuable contacts within the industry. By the time he penned his book, Horse Racing: The Essential Guide to Backing Winners, Sidney had been a professional gambler for seven years. He recalled how his journey as a professional punter officially began on August 26, 1993, just one day after one of the world’s largest bookmakers decided to suspend his accounts, citing concerns that he was winning too much.

Sidney Harris’s approach to gambling is methodical and strategic, far removed from relying on luck alone. He believes that while each punter’s journey is unique, common mistakes and misguided beliefs can lead to repeated failures. According to Harris, having a well-defined strategy is crucial to recognizing and correcting errors. Developing a sound, common-sense approach is vital.

Fundamental Rules for Gambling: Sidney Harris’s Suggestions for Professional Gamblers:

Never back a horse unproven on the going.
Never back a horse from an out-of-form stable.
Never back a horse unsuited to a track.
Never back a horse ridden by a jockey with a poor track record.
Never back a horse whose trainer has a poor track record.

Bookmakers often promote horses that meet one or more of these conditions as “favorites,” but Sidney warns that these are usually losing bets. By filtering out horses that fall under these categories, punters can significantly narrow down the field, saving themselves time and money. Statistically, it is rare for a horse with such detrimental characteristics to win a race. Harris advises that your potential selections must pass these fundamental rules.

What to Look for When Picking a Horse:

Back trainers who are in form. You can check this in the “today’s trainers” section of the Racing Post or on their website.

Support trainers with a strong record at familiar tracks. The Racing Post’s Top Trainers section for a particular track will show which trainers are likely to be contenders.

Aim to back jockeys with a good track record. The Top Jockeys section provides insights into jockeys who consistently perform well at specific tracks.

Consider horses with multiple future entries. This indicates that a trainer is actively seeking the right race for the horse. Horses with multiple entries deserve extra attention, especially if they’ve been withdrawn from higher-grade races to compete in lower-grade ones.

When asked for advice to amateur or semi-professional punters, Sidney Harris emphasizes the financial dangers of horse racing. He warns that it is possible to lose everything, including your home, by betting on racehorses. The key to finding winners, he says, is awareness. Every decent-priced winner starts with a clue among hundreds of possible indicators. Once you identify these clues, you are on your way to uncovering profits.

In conclusion, Sidney Harris is a highly educated, self-made success in the world of professional gambling. By applying his business acumen to punting, he has turned it into a profitable venture. Following his guidelines could lead others to similar success.

Photo: Freepik

by professional gambler sidney harris uk professional gamblers 0

uk professional gamblers

How Many Hours Does It Take to Become a Professional Poker Player?

Professional Gamblers: Who is Barney Curley?

Professional Gamblers Favourite Bets

Professional Gamblers: Clive Holt

Professional Gamblers: Sidney Harris

Hello World

Recent Posts

Recent Comments