Join Andrew Neeme as he reflects on his poker career and shares invaluable lessons he'd impart to his younger self. From starting out to mastering the game, learn from his experiences and growth as a professional poker player.
Andrew Neeme: Andrew Neeme is a professional poker player and vlogger who resides in Las Vegas. Born in Michigan and a graduate of Michigan State University, he initially moved to London for an internship in a music promotion company, followed by a move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music industry. Neeme started playing poker online casually and gradually improved his game by studying basic poker theory, frequenting forums like 2 plus 2, and reading strategy books. His progress in poker was such that he began earning more from online poker than his job in the music industry, particularly during a time when the economy was struggling. By 2007-2008, he was playing poker full-time and had quickly advanced from micro-stakes to playing 10/20 no-limit games online. Neeme has played on various sites, including Bugsy's Club, which was eventually acquired by PokerStars. After relocating to Las Vegas, he went through a period of adjustment before taking poker more seriously, eventually finding a group of fellow players to discuss strategy with, which was pivotal in improving his play. Neeme's last regular stakes before starting his vlog were 5-10 no-limit at the Bellagio, although he also played at different stakes and in various locations including Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of having a community of players to discuss hands with and believes in stepping out of one's comfort zone to move up in stakes. Neeme also shares insights into the lifestyle of a professional poker player, the importance of balancing freedom with discipline, and the realization that to succeed at higher levels, one must enjoy both playing and studying the game. He records his poker sessions and experiences in a vlog, contributing to the poker community's knowledge and entertainment.
Starting in Poker: Begin playing poker casually and progress by studying basic theory and improving your game to become profitable.
Building a Poker Network: Create a group of poker-playing friends to discuss strategies, share hand analyses, and get advice from players who are successful at higher stakes.
Bankroll Management: Establish a bankroll rule, like a 20 buy-in minimum for the level you're playing, to move up in stakes responsibly.
Improving Poker Skills: Engage in regular study of poker theory, hand analysis, and game strategy to advance beyond low-stakes games and increase your win rate.
Adapting to Poker Lifestyle: Understand the trade-offs of the freedom that comes with a poker career, and be prepared for the work required to maintain a steady income.
Studying Poker: To move beyond just enjoying the game, find effective and enjoyable methods to study poker, such as reading forums, running simulations, or hiring a coach.
Learning from Experience: Reflect on your poker journey to recognize mistakes and areas for improvement, such as moving up in stakes sooner or managing finances better.
Career Evolution: Be willing to adapt and transition within your poker career, as success may require changes in game selection, stake levels, or even lifestyle.
Personal Background: Andrew Nene shares his journey from Michigan to becoming a professional poker player, including his education at Michigan State University, time in the music industry, and how he transitioned to poker as his primary source of income.
Poker Strategy and Skill Development: He emphasizes the importance of studying basic poker theory, improving one's game, and the necessity of moving up in stakes to increase profitability. Also, he highlights the role of networking and finding a group of poker players to discuss strategies with.
Poker Game Dynamics: Andrew discusses his experience with different stakes and poker venues, as well as the challenge of facing regular players versus more casual ones.
Bankroll Management: The concept of using a 20 buy-in bankroll rule is mentioned as part of his progression in poker stakes.
Player Psychology: He talks about the psychological aspects of poker, including the need to tolerate risk and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone to progress in the game.
Poker Lifestyle and Realizations: Andrew reflects on the pros and cons of a professional poker lifestyle, particularly the freedom it offers and the potential stress of income fluctuation during downswings.
Technology in Poker: He discusses the tools and equipment he uses for recording poker sessions and creating content, underscoring the use of various cameras and devices.
This article is a summary of the video What I'd Tell A Younger Me About Poker... by Andrew Neeme published on October 18, 2016 at 16:30:01.
Q: How do I make the transition from recreational poker to professional, and manage the financial uncertainties? A: To transition successfully, it's important to have a solid bankroll management plan, be able to cope with variance, and have a consistent strategy to generate stable income. It's also crucial to treat poker like a business and keep improving your skills.
Q: What's the best way to balance studying poker and actually playing the game? A: Find a balance by setting a schedule that allocates time for both studying and playing. Use your study time effectively with books, forums, and simulations, and apply the knowledge gained during actual play to gain practical experience.
Q: How can I network with more experienced poker players to improve my game? A: To network with experienced players, actively participate in poker communities, both online and offline. Don't hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and even offer to buy them a drink in exchange for a discussion. Joining a poker study group can also be invaluable.
Q: What are some tips for effective poker bankroll management? A: Follow strict buy-in rules, keep your poker finances separate from personal expenses, and always reinvest a portion of your winnings into your bankroll. Be disciplined about moving up in stakes only when your bankroll allows for it.
Q: How do I adapt to the lifestyle changes when becoming a professional poker player? A: Adapting to a professional poker lifestyle requires discipline to work consistently, manage freedom responsibly, and resist the temptations associated with gambling. Set a routine, and adhere to it strictly to balance work and leisure.
Q: What should I do to comfortably move up to higher stakes? A: To move up to higher stakes, ensure you have a large enough bankroll to withstand variance and focus on improving your skills. Seek advice from players who are winning at the level you aim to reach and gradually take shots when you feel ready.
Q: How can I maintain emotional and mental resilience in poker? A: Maintaining mental resilience involves managing stress, practicing emotional control, and taking breaks when needed to avoid burnout. Study and apply psychological strategies to stay focused and calm during sessions, especially during downswings.