Playing poker for a living sounds great, we have discussed that in many articles. Playing poker recreationally sounds great too, but what constitutes the right amount of hands to play for a casual player? Whilst we can learn professional strategy we should also consider what amount of play is optimal for us if we are to get the maximum profit and enjoyment from playing online poker.

To win at poker, in my opinion, you need to enjoy each hand you play. I have a notoriously low attention span and in truth I enjoy writing about Poker every bit as much as I enjoy playing my hands. For a serious cash game player, they are aiming to win a solid hourly rate and multiply that winning rate into large amounts of cash by playing many hours. It is the win rate over time that decides what you win, not one big session.

Players should be aware that using heads up display and poker software will change your experience of poker. If you are a multi-table cash game player with heads up displays everywhere you are in for an intensive poker playing session. After one or two hours of this type of playing, even without taking into account wins and losses you will be mentally fatigued.

For a casual player I would recommend playing no more than three hours per night if you hold a full time job. If poker is your job, then playing between four and five hours is recommended. Casual players can certainly play this amount of poker in their spare time, but can they sustain this playing time over many days and months without getting tired and making errors? Only they know, but initially they will not know! It is important to start small and build yourself up. Your results and your sanity will tell you when you have reached your own personal limit of what is a tolerable amount of poker for you to play.

My professional poker friend aims for 3000 hands per day playing six days per week. He plays between twelve and fourteen tables for around 3 hours per day. He plays around 1.25 million hands per year. Even at a small winning rate including rakeback and frequent player points he clears a good profit per year at moderate stakes. Because he has played for so long and understands and works on his game he can rely on his win rate. We should all aim for this type of quality knowledge about our own poker game.

Session length, session frequency and the type of games you play are entirely up to you, but I recommend investigating what is a good type of game to play for you and where your time playing poker is best invested. Many players shy away from the cash games and prefer playing Sit and go poker tournaments. Providing they win, whatever they choose is the right choice for them and who are we to argue with that?

As with most parts of poker, bankroll management is a factor. Poker is a great game to play and enjoy but if you are losing lots of money that you cannot afford to lose it is instantly a problem. Know your limits and stick to them at all times. We have all felt the pinch of danger that goes with playing too high but it is not profitable in the long term. If you are thinking about the money you are not thinking about the hands. Many high stakes players we look up to are guilty of this too.

Whatever length of poker you play, keep it controlled and keep learning. Try playing at bwin.com to get a thorough evaluation of your poker skills at their attractive tables where some of the best online poker plays gather to battle it out for big pots.

By Malcolm Clarke

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