Career & Finance: Retirement

Why do you want to do this?

It has always been a dream of mine to play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. With the buy-in being $10000, I thought I would really need A LOT of money for me to be able to gamble with $10000. But what they have now in Vegas right before the tournament starts, are smaller games where you could win a $10000 seat in the event. This will be the route I will be taking. I've got $100 that I need to build into a few thousand before the summer starts if I'm going to make the leap. Wish me luck!

What three things will you need to make this happen?

Tournament knowledge. I have played for years. Sometimes I do good. Sometimes I suck. I just excepted that. No more. I'm going to study my brains out and use this knowledge to become awesome at Texas Hold'em (this is the specific poker game played at the WSOP).

Money. I have $100 now and am currently selling some items on EBay to build a stash of cash. I know that you cannot measure your poker abilities in one game, but rather in long run of games. I will need more money to pursue that mini-goal. I would like to just start winning right off the bat and make it a bit easier on me.

The time. I really don't like to pursue goals that will take time away from my family. Most of the games in town in which I could gain some experience, are night games, when most of my family would be asleep anyways. I also can play online at any hour I want. I would rather stick with real games tho. Also the tournament in Vegas in a week long, so there's a week of vacation I would need to take from work.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

The pros. A lot of people out there have been playing for years and are very good at cards and even better at spotting the inexperienced player. But everyone has a weakness. I just need to find theirs. And hide mine. With some time I'm sure I will be known within the poker community and hopefully the target on my back will fade.