Is Poker a natural skill or can you learn to be a great Poker player?

[Eudorus]

Just to note, I am 46 now. I have never played Poker but my friend group is about to start. Fortunately only one of the guys has any experience of playing. Its his idea to do this on a regular basis. I am just wondering if it is possible to learn to play or is it like a natural skill that some people have. The same as some people are more athletic than others.

With no experience can I learn to compete with people who have been playing Poker for over 20 years? Is it possible to apply hard work to overcome natural talent?

 

[Bawse]

Players can definitely learn how to be winning players. Also just because someone has played for 20 years doesn't mean they have the tools to succeed long-term.

Most players are losing players. It takes a lot of patience, discipline, and heart break to succeed over the long term in poker.

 

[Delenia]

Just to note, I am 46 now. I have never played Poker but my friend group is about to start. Fortunately only one of the guys has any experience of playing. Its his idea to do this on a regular basis. I am just wondering if it is possible to learn to play or is it like a natural skill that some people have. The same as some people are more athletic than others.

With no experience can I learn to compete with people who have been playing Poker for over 20 years? Is it possible to apply hard work to overcome natural talent?

You can definitely learn to play poker and to win at poker. But if you have never played poker, when you start, you may even find that you are a natural at it. I started playing poker late in life and never had any interest in it, but I immediately started beating players that had been playing for a long time. But even if you do find that you have a knack for it, it still takes a lot of practice to hone those skills. Just as an athlete can not be the top player at his sport on day one. He has to train and practice for it to be able to be the best. Good Luck to you.

 

[Maya]

I think anyone can become a good poker player with enough study and experience. Some people may naturally pick up patterns or stay calmer under pressure, but long-term success usually comes from practice, discipline, and learning from mistakes rather than raw talent alone.

 

[Ace]

I think some people naturally pick up certain parts of poker faster, but becoming a strong player is mostly something you learn. The players who improve the most are usually the ones willing to study, stay disciplined, and keep learning from their mistakes over time.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Poker is definitely learnable. Some people may naturally read situations better, but experience usually beats raw talent over time. I have seen complete beginners become difficult opponents simply because they studied the game and stayed disciplined.

 

[Nomad]

I think it can come naturally to some people, they learn pretty fast, and start winning even through they have just begun. However, you can also become a great player if you work hard to learn skill.