Ever wondered how the poker tournament newbies get started into the lucrative high stake play without a massive bankroll?

There are more ways to make money from poker than just playing.

The poker industry has a growing group of individuals (often top pros themselves) who are referred to as “backers”. These people pay the buy-ins for other players as an investment and hope to score a percentage of winnings. Although often not discussed, these kinds of deals are common throughout the poker community – and are a key way for some of the top young players to establish their name and game.

Erick Lindgren for example, says he’s “had up to ten players in his stable at once” and reels off names like Gavin Smith, Josh Arieh and Bill Edler.

The typical “backer deal” apparently plays out with the player playing for 50% of the profits. For example if $100,000 is spent on buy-ins by that player, the $100,000 gets paid back and then any prize money won is split 50:50.

As you can imagine, being a backer is however not always a bed of roses with tough years and frustrating tournaments.

Erick says that backing “is not typically a profitable thing to do”, but he admits that “he has some great guys. Some continue to play for him even though they’ve won a lot of money.”

So, you want your break? Your chance to get into that big tournament or a season of poker events? Cultivate a backer – identify someone you think you want to do business with and make them a proposal. They do not have to be a poker pro (or your Mom!) Keep it formal  – and emphasize what’s in it for them (not just you!)

Good luck at the tables!
Kishan Nielsen

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