That's some shit I need to get into, as the times I've played, I always feel like I've done well, and that I maybe actually have the potential to be decent. Probably never on the level of a Hellmuth, but there are casinos in my area that have games at reasonable levels ($100 buy-ins) that have the potential to turn out a decent payday.
I honestly want to ask a million questions. Which site do you use? How well have you done (if you don't mind sharing that). I legitimately want to know everything (obviously don't say anything you don't want to, and if you'd rather PM me about it, feel free).
I've played exclusively on Pokerstars.
They are the biggest, and where the pros play.
Which means it's a horrible choice. I didn't know that.
If I was starting over, I'd go to 888poker. They are big, and reputable, but more amateur players. Easier to win.
I do 'ok' in micro-stakes cash games and spin/go, and 'pretty good' with low stakes tournaments.
Any time I get low on cash, I just grind the low end tournaments. Many people play those very loose, since it costs so little. But play well and cashing is easy.
Whenever I am ahead I will play the spin and goes, or single table tournaments. I keep raising the stakes when I win, and lowering them when I lose. I peaked at a little over $2000, and am usually in the $200-$500 range in my account.
I do not play to earn. As long as I can avoid losing my bankroll, I'm happy.
I've considered trying to earn an income from it. It is possible, but a lot of work, and there's always risk. So I am just going to keep it a game.
The skill level that you face will increase greatly as the stakes change. So the bigger you go for, the harder and more risky it is.
Ask whatever. It's all legal, so I've got nothing to hide.
I never really had an interest in poker for most of my life. But a couple years ago I put $10 into an online account to check it out.
I had a friend that was really into online poker, so I wanted to understand what he saw.
I figured I'd play the 25c tournaments, make the $10 last a long time, and have a reasonable understanding of the game when done.
What I didn't expect was that I enjoyed it. A lot.
I'm good enough that I make a small profit at low stakes. I don't often win significant amounts, but it never costs me anything. I've never put more in since that first $10.