The Importance of Networking with Poker Players

networking with poker players

Poker is a game of skill and chance, but it’s also a game of relationships. The more people you know in the poker world, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn, grow, and improve your game. That’s why it’s a good idea to network with other poker players.

How to network with other poker players

There are several effective ways to network with other poker players. One way is to attend poker tournaments and cash games. This is a great way to meet new people and make connections. Live games are a very chatty environment, both at the poker table and in breaks. Use this as an opportunity to build up a network of respected colleagues and friends.

You can also network online through forums and social media. Forums are a welcoming place and can be very rewarding for contributors. You can make connections with other players with minimum fuss. It’s about putting in the time and investing into the forum you’re a member of.

Likewise, Twitter can be a platform to build up a network. You might consider following valuable poker handles and chatting with fellow players there.

When you’re networking with other poker players, it’s important to be friendly and approachable. Be willing to introduce yourself and ask questions. Show that you’re interested in learning and growing as a player.

The benefits of networking with other poker players

There are many benefits to networking with other poker players. Here are a few of the most important:

Learn from experienced players

Networking with experienced poker players can be advantageous too as they’ll be sharing their experiences with you. One of the best things about networks is sharing a pool of knowledge. If you find yourself chatting to experience poker players, just listen and taken mental notes. People love talking about themselves anyway so just ask questions and pay attention.

Free advice

Another by-product of networking is they advise you can get from your peers. Provided you’re chatting with decent players, they’ll be able to give you objective advice that can help your improve your skills at the table. Poker players can by brutal at the table but away from it they can be extremely generous in their time and advice so take their feedback seriously. It can be a free way to gain advanced strategy and get recommendations on where to play like https://www.johnslots.com/no/poker/hvordan-spiller-du/.

Staking opportunities

Whilst I’m not a huge fan of staking, there’s unquestionably benefits to networking that provide staking opportunities. By having regular conversations with other players, swapping percentages, and staking each other can be the norm. Players build up trust amongst each other and will often stake each other into tournaments. If you’re struggling to move up stakes and built-up trust within a network, its likely you’ll be offered staking arrangements.

Access to private games

Finally, another advantage to networking is the exclusive games you may now be invited to. The poker community has sub-communities and private games that are invite only. Often, a community has its own poker league or private games (online or live) that could be potentially more lucrative. By using connections and building up a solid reputation among other players you may get access to private games that are softer and therefore grant you a higher win rate.

Conclusion

Networking with other poker players is a great way to improve your game and have fun. So, get out there and start building your poker network.

Here are some additional tips for networking with other poker players:

  • Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People can spot a fake a mile away.
  • Be genuine. Be interested in other people and what they have to say.
  • Offer to help other players with their game.
  • Stay positive. A positive attitude is contagious.
  • Be patient. It takes time to build relationships. Don’t expect to become best friends with everyone you meet.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to networking with other poker players and improving your game.

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Narciso Baldo is the Director and Head Coach of Texas Hold'em Questions. He has been playing poker for over 16 years. After spending many years as a professional, he now runs UK poker training site Texas Hold'em Questions. Narciso regularly writes poker articles sharing tips, strategy, news and experience with gambling enthusiasts. Narciso also writes for reputable gambling portal Casino City Times, (bio here). Contact: [email protected]