video poker for a living

[keno3699]

just want to know how many of you play vp for a living?

[shadowman]

I don't think there's anyone here who has indicated they make a living playing VP. I make a profit playing VP which supplements my retirement. The big problem these days is there are few positive games available above the quarter level. Even playing dollars with a small edge is a tough way to go. It is certainly possible to make a profit but I'd hate to try and live on it.

[EDC1977]

  Shadow, it would be tough to supplement an income if the income wasn't guaranteed. Hit a long DDB dry spell and you'll have to dig into your reserves to pay the basics! 

[cddenver]

  Shadow, it would be tough to supplement an income if the income wasn't guaranteed. Hit a long DDB dry spell and you'll have to dig into your reserves to pay the basics! 
 
Yup, and remember that any money made from VP would not only have to cover the cost of playing, but cover dry spells and - oh, yes - living expenses as well.  It would be like getting a paycheck every two weeks and not knowing what you would see - could be a REAL nice check, could be a small check (but not enough to cover expenses for the next two weeks), or it could even be a bill.  In the last case, how would you pay it?
 
I'd imagine that it would be a pretty stressful way to live.
 

[rascal]

I don't think it can be done. Even the most skilled VP players, such as Dancer, must hold seminars and sell products and write columns and books. If they could stop doing all that and just play VP, don't you think they would? The only person I ever met who could win every single VP session was a gent who developed a very special 'Rant Thur Town" (RTT) formula.....

[cddenver]

I don't think it can be done. Even the most skilled VP players, such as Dancer, must hold seminars and sell products and write columns and books. If they could stop doing all that and just play VP, don't you think they would? The only person I ever met who could win every single VP session was a gent who developed a very special 'Rant Thur Town" (RTT) formula.....
 
Now, rascal, don't exaggerate - he doesn't claim to win every time, just 9 out of 10.  He knows he wouldn't be believed if he claimed 100% success.   I do agree with you that if I found a way to win lots'o'money playing VP, then I'd just play more VP and not waste valuable gaming time writing about it.  Then I'd buy a pretty tropical island somewhere and set myself up as King CD. 

[shadowman]

Yup, and remember that any money made from VP would not only have to cover the cost of playing, but cover dry spells and - oh, yes - living expenses as well.  It would be like getting a paycheck every two weeks and not knowing what you would see - could be a REAL nice check, could be a small check (but not enough to cover expenses for the next two weeks), or it could even be a bill.  In the last case, how would you pay it?
 
I'd imagine that it would be a pretty stressful way to live.
 
 
To become successful requires understanding bankroll requirements first and foremost. I've heard of many who have tried and failed to make a living playing VP. The problem is usually the same. One bad streak playing high denoms without the appropriate bankroll and it's over. While there are a few who have succeeded in avoiding this problem, they are few are far between.
 
That is one reason I have stayed with lower denoms for the most part. Smaller risk, less stressful and more opportunities. I can see where someone could build up a bankroll over time by starting low. It would require working a real job as well. Move up in denom only as the bankroll permits. There's an optimal system for increasing bankroll. It's called Kelly betting. However, don't think it will be easy. I would think anyone smart enough and dedicated enough to be a successful VP pro could do even better in other fields.

[royal flush]

there is not enough 100%+ games over 25c denom the best in lv is 10/7db dollar prog in lv at palms about .25% with comps 600 hph about 7.50 per hr better off working at the movie theatre pays better. i like fpdw but only 25c games around. i enjoy playing and i play correctly but this not my income. i like doing this as a hobby that i make a few dollars over all get comps but i make more playing live poker on weekends against weak playing tourists ( the ones that in fpdw draw 4 to an ace)

[shadowman]

RF makes a very good point. While there are a few plays better than the the DB at the Palms, there are not that many and there are lots of people out there playing them.
 
PS. Yesterday I saw an individual hold two deuces with the 3Q of spades.

[pokeherguy]

I've ask the same question before when I first joined this site but only because of one person in particular. He was mentioned my cddenver. While I found it hard to believe that anyone could possibly play VP for a living he sure made a lot of noise and spurred me to ask the same question as you. Having played VP for many many years I agree with what Shadowman says. Why anyone would even want to try is beyond me. I love playing but if I ever tried to make a living at it I'm sure I would end up on a tall building with a rifle.