Playing poker professionally – Part 2: Overcoming pressure, setting study routines and achieving goals

This is the second part of our conversation with BBZ Poker student Melle Bijstra, who recently left his full-time job behind to play poker professionally.

If you missed Part 1, where we discuss how he knew he was ready to make the leap and how he structures his work weeks, you can check that article out here.

Here we cover how poker has changed for Bijstra now that it is his sole source of income, his goals, and how he plans to achieve them.

Did you feel extra pressure in your first sessions as a pro?

Melle Bijstra: I didn’t really feel any extra pressure, to be honest. I guess there isn’t really any extra pressure, but I spent a lot of time working on my mental game.

Obviously, there is more pressure, especially if you don’t run well. You need to put food on the table. So yes, there is more pressure. At the same time, I take a lot of peace out of knowing I’ve done every single thing I could do. And if that’s not enough, then that’s it. You know, I think I have a very good long-term view.

If I put in the hours and the volume that I know I need to, and I don’t mess around with my bankroll management or mess up my finances and start spending on dumb shit, I will hopefully be fine.

How do you stay mentally focused as a full-time poker player?

Melle Bijstra: I think so, yes. I make sure I’m fit and mentally there. I’m trying to ensure that I’m spending every minute doing something productive, or spending it in a fun way, with friends and family. That means I’ve done everything I can to succeed.

It’s something that Francois (BBZ Poker’s mental game coach) discussed recently. He talked about being as prepared as you can be. As long as you have that feeling, it’s okay. If I lose, I lose. If I win, I win. If I do that 365 days a year, I think my chances of being successful are good.

That gives me peace of mind and alleviates some pressure.

What volume goals have you set for your first year as a pro?

Melle Bijstra: My main goal is to achieve the volume and hours I’ve set for myself.

For me, the goal is to hit $30K in buy-ins a month. To get there, I’ve calculated I need to play roughly 75 tournaments per session across 20 sessions. If I’m on a downswing I’ll play a lower average buy-in (ABI), if I’m up on an upswing I’ll play a higher ABI. But I need to get to that $30K number.

Read Part 1 of Melle’s story, where he breaks down the finances, the decision to quit his job, and his weekly poker schedule.

If you’re working towards going pro yourself, the Poker Pro Playbook covers game selection, bankroll structure, and volume planning. For mental game work like Melle describes, check out the Mental Game Bundle, 14+ hours on tilt management, discipline, and performance psychology.