Poker Tips: Getting Staked

online poker, Cash Games
February 7 2009

The toughest part of any professional’s poker career is getting it off the ground. Building a bankroll from nothing is a daunting task for any player, and many can never get over the hump into bigger stakes games that will provide big payoffs. There are a few different ways to build a bankroll if you don’t have money. Satellite tournaments and freerolls can help a player to get started, but the best way has always been to get staked.

Getting staked means that you’ve found someone who is willing to fund your play for a portion of your winnings. That portion can be a big portion, but you’re still playing for free and get the chance to build a bankroll. Traditionally it would be from a professional who taught you how to win, and put you to work for them until you had enough of a bankroll to venture out on your own. Men “The Master” Nguyen is known to have staked many of today’s top pros.

The more common way to get staked today is from an online poker room. The only thing about the online poker room sponsorship is that you have to win to get one. If you can post enough wins you can get a deal for free tournament buy-ins and more. And unlike the old pros, the sponsor doesn’t take a portion of your winnings; you’re just getting paid to wear their brand.

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