1. Have enough money to support yourself. I don’t recommend moving to Vegas to play poker unless you’ve been able to accumulate a sizable bankroll to live on.

2. Get a sponsor to fund part or all of your play. Even someone willing to stake you is good, but you have to pay them a share. Any sponsor wins are all yours.

3. Have a Plan B. Many professionals have had to try a couple of times before they were able to win enough to survive. Have something to fall back on just in case.

4. Study the game and practice thousands of hours of play. You need to be an experienced player who understands the game at all levels, or you’ll go broke fast.

5. Promote yourself at every opportunity. Recognizable poker players get sponsorship deals. Promote yourself by teaching, writing or making television appearances whenever possible.