Playing games as an amateur is one thing, but it’s altogether a different matter if you are keen to be a professional gamer. Professional gamers attain their lot by a mixture of skill, dedication, and commitment, among other factors. But while most of us love playing games, whether we’re playing them online or face to face, if you want to advance yourself as a pro gamer, you may need to work on some skills which are also being utilized by professional gamblers. So, what do you need to know in order to be a professional gamer – or a professional gambler? Here’s a comparison.

The skills of a professional gamer

Would-be professional gamers will be happy to know that they can also take advantage of the pro gambler skillset, but the first thing you would need to find out is what it takes to be an actual professional gamer. There are some skills you need to develop as a pro gamer first, which include a complete dedication to the game, fast reflexes, an ability to analyze, and an ability to control your emotions.

 

  • Be dedicated

 

For the first skill, which is dedication to the game, the old adage is true until today: practice makes perfect. You need to practice in order to perfect your skills, even if it means ending up with a bunch of calluses (and maybe even carpal tunnel syndrome). You should make it a point to dedicate at least a few hours each day to playing and familiarizing yourself with the games you are interested in or would like to get better at.

 

  • Fast reflexes and great dexterity

 

Another skill you need to improve on if you want nothing more than to be a professional gamer is to have fast reflexes combined with great dexterity. When it comes to fast reflexes, you need to train yourself to perform quick reactions – even the smallest mistake can lead to some drastic consequences, as you very well know. Practice on having the reflexes of a cat – it will allow you to respond with lightning speed to different variables and situations in-game. Dexterity is also crucial and is closely related to fast reflexes since you are making use of some sort of controller. You need to be able to make not only fast moves – but accurate ones as well.

 

  • Great analytical skills

 

If you’re a casual gamer, it’s easy to laugh it off if you lose – not so with professional gaming, however. You must learn how to prepare for your games, whether it’s doing research or developing the best strategies in order to win and coming up with tactics as well. You also need to keep a close eye on your opponents and learn how to analyze their strategies even before they make use of them. Always be a few steps ahead – it makes a huge amount of difference.

 

  • The ability to control your emotions

 

In order for you to be a success as a professional gamer, you need to be able to control your emotions. This is one skill which is vastly used in gambling games like poker as well since you cannot let your emotions control you. In fact, the trick in poker and other gambling games which make use of skill is not to show any emotion at all. If you become emotional in the midst of a game, it’s easy to make mistakes and errors in judgment which may end up plaguing you in the end. Try to think positive even if you’re on a losing streak, don’t lose your temper, and know that success in the long term comes to those who wait patiently and get their emotions under control.

The skills of a professional gambler

Would-be professional gamblers have a lot in common with would-be professional gamers in that there are some skills shared by each. For example, as mentioned, professional gamblers need to keep their emotions in check – it’s vital to be in full control in order to avoid errors and mistakes. But there are other skills you may need to develop to become a professional gambler as well.

 

  • Dedication

 

This is a skill which also comes in handy for professional gamers, and for good reason. The key is to practice, practice, practice, even if there are days when you don’t feel like it. If you have a real love for the game, you will soon appreciate all the practice you have put into it. Dedicate a few hours to playing every day, but make sure you keep an eye on your bankroll as well.

 

  • The ability to focus

 

You cannot be easily distracted if you want to be a professional gambler. You need to develop your concentration and your focus, and you have to be alert and mindful at all times. A good ability to focus will help you clear your mind and make the proper decisions – decisions which are carefully thought over and never hasty or ill-timed.

 

  • Strong analytical skills

 

As with professional gamers, professional gamblers also need to have strong analytical skills. You should be able to take one look at your opponent and know (or at least have an idea) of what moves they will be making next. It also pays to do research and learn about the different strategies you can employ and make use of, so you have a better chance at winning.

 

  • Full control over your emotions

 

Emotional control does not just mean being able to stay calm in the face of stressful situations – it means not letting your opponent get you rattled, no matter what they do. In fact, some professional gamblers display utmost comfort even when faced with adversity (or they look like it, at least).

Whether you would like to be a professional gamer or a professional gambler, there are some skills which the two professions have in common – in fact, they have more in common than you may think. Harnessing these skills is vital if you want success in the long run, so good luck, and don’t forget to always have fun.

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