Professionalism In Poker

Professionalism is "the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person," according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. In the game of poker, what then distinguishes a professional from a non-professional?

The fact that a player relies on poker as his primary source of income should not automatically bestow upon him the title of poker professional. I would agree that a poker pro must be a winner at the game, at least in the long run. But his conduct, aims, and the qualities he displays are important too. His aims should include not just winning, but using his poker expertise to contribute to society-to make a difference.

Poker is more than just another game of cards and deserves to be held to higher standards than merely a means for making money. All of us should strive to be professionals. Those who succeed are to be admired. We might call them top poker professionals.

Epstein's Criteria for Professionalism in Poker:

• Is highly skilled and knowledgeable
• Exercises expert judgment
• Is a winning player
• Demonstrates high ethical standards and behavior
• Exercises autonomy
• Contributes to the poker community or to society in a meaningful way

Professionalism requires that player satisfy all of these requirements: He (or she) must have acquired great skill through education, study, or experience, as demonstrated by being a winning player. In limit games, he wins at least 60 percent of the hands with which he stays to the showdown. He never cheats or takes unfair advantage of an opponent. Bluffing or gaining an edge over opponents is fair and does not negate professionalism; they are part and parcel of being skilled. He never blames the dealer for his "bad" cards, nor does he use abusive language at the table. He is respectful of all players and the casino staff. He never berates another player or dealer. Even when suffering a bad beat, he controls his emotions.

Note that these criteria call for one to contribute to society in some way. Illustrative examples: a doctor cures an ailing patient; a scientist develops a better communications system; a teacher helps students to excel academically.

How can a poker player contribute to society? One way to make a contribution to society is to share poker expertise as a teacher, lecturer, or writer, so that others might become more proficient and better enjoy their poker experience. If a professional's writings entertain the readers that also meets our criteria. Organizing or participating in poker tournaments to benefit worthy charities is another way to contribute to society. Some players even donate a portion of their poker winnings to charities. Others help develop and refine rules to facilitate tournament play. These are a few examples. Perhaps you can suggest others.

These criteria do not require that one play poker for a living or to supplement his income; although such a person also may display professionalism. Likewise, neither celebrity status nor playing in high-stakes games and tournaments is criteria for professionalism.
Certainly, some of the poker players who often appear on TV may qualify as top poker professionals-so long as they satisfy all of our criteria.

Acknowledgement: Many outstanding individuals, in and out of the poker world, contributed to this column.

Admittedly, some will disagree with these criteria. That's their privilege. I am willing to make changes if they can convince me.

You are invited to submit the names of players, including yourself, whom you regard as top poker professionals. Explain how each meets our criteria for professionalism. Perhaps we'll compile Epstein's List of Top Professionals in the World of Poker.

George "The Engineer" Epstein is the author of The Greatest Book of Poker for Winners! and Hold'em or Fold'em?-An Algorithm for Making the Key Decision and teaches poker at the Claude Pepper Sr. Citizen Center in Los Angeles. Contact George at geps222@msn.com.