Is poker actually beatable long term or only for pros?
seems like poker gets hyped up as this game anyone can beat if you just “study enough.” but whenever i watch streams or read breakdowns, most of the big winners already seem like borderline math geniuses or ex-backgammon pros or whatever. is it actually possible for someone with an average brain, some discipline, and a lot of patience to stay ahead of the rake over a few years? or is it just barely break even unless you move up to nosebleeds or start coaching on the side?
in blackjack i always knew the edge was tiny but real with good counting, but i never played at nosebleeds and still managed some steady small profit. with poker, it just feels like there’s this invisible wall where it gets exponentially harder once you leave the absolute beginner tables. anyone here just grinding low stakes successfully year after year without being some genius?
the wall’s real, but seat selection matters way more than IQ. i lasted at micro stakes mostly by hunting tired tables, not outplaying regs.
honestly, for me it came down to strict bankroll splits and obsessively logging sessions, way more than seat choice ever did. curious if anyone else here uses spreadsheet tracking like they do for crypto swings?