If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is the first in a regular new series from some of the best-known, interesting, and successful poker players in history.
Dear Daniel,
Before you decide that you want to start playing poker for a living, let me paint a picture for you to make sure this is something you really want to do with your life. It won’t be easy.
It may seem like an easy way to make a living, but you will be tested, you will go through hardships, experience self-doubt, and go through swings that seem impossible. It will test your resilience, but I know who you are, and I know you can handle it.
Along the way, you will encounter a wide variety of interesting characters. Some of them aren’t what they seem and will look to befriend you so they can take advantage of your generosity. I know it’s going to pull at your heartstrings, and you will feel compelled to help them out and do so, but try to be mindful of that and be a little more selective than you may want to be. You have to worry about your own bankroll first and foremost.
You are going to go broke – often. As you try to climb the ladder to higher and higher stakes, you are going to make mistakes that leave you in some bad spots financially. You might have to borrow or be staked by those who believe in you, so understand that your word is your credit card. Your reputation is paramount.
Learn from your mistakes. You are going to make them – lots of them. The Vegas lifestyle for a young kid with money can easily lead you astray, but you will figure it out. Have your fun, but in the end, remember that if you want to reach the top, you need to get serious and devote yourself to your craft.
Once you finally make a name for yourself and establish yourself amongst the greats, always remember that there will be younger and hungrier players out there working with new strategies and technology to improve. This is important: I want you to learn from them. Don’t be that old man complaining about how aggressive these young kids are – learn from them. Confidence is your secret weapon, but it only works when combined with humility.
You will be underestimated your whole life. You will be told again and again that you are washed up… let it fuel you. Use that fuel to silence the critics, because you know who you are and what you are capable of.
You will question what you are doing as you take in new theories and playing styles; soak it in, but in the end, remember what got you there. Remember that with all the new breakthroughs in poker theory, that you have wisdom on your side. You know how to win.
Have faith in what you do that makes you great. You aren’t a sheep that follows the herd; you will carve out your own path and change the game with new ideas. Along the way, people will mock your strategies before ultimately using your innovative ideas to develop their own strategies. You will be the only one opening for smaller sizes… until most everyone is opening for smaller sizes.
You are going to be more than just a poker player. The game is going to blow up, and you are going to play a part in growing the game. It’s going to be on TV regularly, and they will even have cameras on the table so people can see your hole cards. Be yourself.
Help make poker fun, not just to play but to watch. By being your authentic self, you can grow into something more than just a poker player, and that will help you achieve your dream life. You aren’t like the others. I know you wanted to be an actor when you were a little kid and have always been comfortable on camera, and while that isn’t going to be your path, you will have an opportunity to shine as a prominent figure in this weird and wacky subculture we call poker.
Daniel Negreanu is a GGPoker ambassador and one of the most successful players in poker history. He's won six WSOP bracelets and sits seventh on the All-Time Money List with over $52 million in tournament winnings.
