From College Dropout to Poker Pro: What I Wish I Knew at 21

[@PhilGalfond]

Free 44-page Mindset Strategy Playbook -> philgalfond.com/mindset

[@justmusic2353]

Thanks for the free E book Phil!

[@eun974]

I subscribed but did not get the ebook unfortunately

[@PhilGalfond]

You're so welcome! Let me know how you like it!

[@PhilGalfond]

You must've already been subscribed? I just sent an email out to all subscribers with the ebook so everyone has a copy. Let me know if you still don't have it.

[@ГеоргиКръстев-у7ю]

Thanks Phil!

[@adrianoalves20]

I want Phil Galfond as my coach.

[@alvaroramiro8364]

No, you want him on your couch you dirty little bastard

[@sabvbaumgard1]

Ok

[@bobsburgers8885]

I want to be as good as Phil was when he "wasn't that good at poker"

[@jluchette]

As my life coach.

[@domenico5509]

Can’t believe how much effort you put in these contents that you gift free to us!! You are one of the greatest of all time poker ambassador . Thank you a lot!!! Very helpfull

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 😊 The team and I worked hard on this one.

[@Bingobangoer]

I hope you see this Phil, I myself am 21 and have gotten to a point now where i feel comfortable enough to go pro and i just want to thank you for the content you put out. It has really helped me in my journey getting here:)

[@PhilGalfond]

My pleasure! I’m glad you’re following my content. Hope it helps point you in the right direction. Good luck 🍀

[@KEEPlT1K]

@tomenglund6691 @philgalfond I am 22 , have been playing since 18. I want to take my game to the next level. I have good bank roll management, but lately I have not been playing as much due to work, trying to get my marketing business upfloat, with the cost of investments and living in California, it gets expensive. My last few sessions I have felt like I was not playing as well as I would. (mix running bad as well as not playing my best) I definently do not want to have my game downgrade, as when I was 21 I was killing it. The whole point is, since you are a young player taking it to the next level what are some tips / help to keep elevating, while with your bankroll management? I would appreciate a reply if possible. Goodluck on the tables Tom!

[@santaclause3487]

So u enjoy playing poker all day long and studying it? Those to things seem to be key. I remember thinking Dan Coleman was a big baby cause he hated playing poker, but after a while it made sense why he hated it so much, just was boring to him and didn’t like being around a bunch of degenerates all the time.

[@JamesGamesMTG]

😂

[@TheKestrol]

Hey Phil, I just turned 26 and feel like I'm at a crossroads in my life and just want to thank you for your videos. I don't even know yet if I'm gonna take the plunge to try to play even semi professionally but I really appreciate the wisdom and kind of calmness you offer me with your videos. You strike me as someone who does deeply care about others and them achieving success in what they strive for (and beyond). I wish you all the health and happiness in the world. Thanks again

[@PhilGalfond]

I do care, and I love to hear that the videos are making a difference. Good luck figuring out the right path for you. If you’ll look out 5+ years and where you want to be, instead of right in front of you, you may find some more clarity.

[@gtheofanopoulos]

I am 49, now business owner and content creator, MSc in something, ex poker pro, tv commentator, online poker company experience and many other things and I endorse everything you said. Well done, well said and please keep it going. There is nothing like this out there, that honest and insightful.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@coreyhuggins5785]

the fact that you spent the time to create a free mindset ebook, as well as the time to make every one of these youtube videos, not to mention everything else, shows that you are the coach who cares about the students outcome and well being. You're awesome, this comes at a time where I am struggling to act on my goals and hide behind media instead. I appreciate this! Thanks phil

[@PhilGalfond]

My pleasure!

[@johnnyguttilla3009]

I'm 37. From the videos you share and the stories you tell, it seems we have similar mindsets/personalities and we grew up on somewhat similar paths. Difference is I never was able to find the same financial success in poker as you did. I'm not sure what my point in writing this is other then to tell you that the content you put out is very inspiring and motivating. Please keep on doing it. No one else articulates it as well as you do.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you very much 😊. I’ll keep doing it!

[@kasinontaku9612]

Videos like this = why this is my favorite channel on KZbin!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much! We worked hard on this one!

[@Moonlightmaster]

"Staff that has become like family" + positive feedback + sunk cost fallacy That makes pulling the plug and being logical about it quite a tough one. Galfond Challenge on RIO Poker during Covid was pretty incredible and provided some fun and excitement in those dark times!

[@PhilGalfond]

Provided me some fun as well 😃♥️

[@Vincenze]

So many of these videos apply to life and other areas too, great stuff 👍

[@rudyinvegas]

I love how you're always pointing out your mistakes, no matter what the subject. Nice to see someone 10x smarter than me be so self aware, almost too aware of your flaws. As always love the channel Phil.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for the very kind words 😊 I try hard to be self-aware. It takes real effort, and I’m sure there’s a lot I don’t see.

[@silentkill2k]

Thanks for the content Phill. Your perspective is genuine and really hits home, even with all the success you’ve had it’s down to earth and at eye level. Happy I stay till the end each video, I could go on a tangent but I just really wanted to say thank you, you never know who you’ve inspired.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so, so much! Those words mean a lot to me. ❤

[@cassienlabesse]

Man this is some of the most wholesome and valuable poker advice out there. You're a humble man, it feels good to listen :) You'd make a great mentor!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you very much :)

[@PeterChessPupil]

dude this humility this wisdom actually swayed me in converting my belief that you are indeed the apogee of youtube poker content.

[@jlieberman22]

Thanks Phil!! You give back so much to the poker community and while looking for nothing in return. Your intentions are to help others succeed and that's it! It's just so pure and rare these days. So thanks again!

[@AirWouldBeGood]

This is phenomenal business and life advice. Success in one arena does not translate to success in another, even a closely related one.

[@RealInfiniteCrypto]

Love your content Phil! Thank you for putting out such quality

[@GregGoesAllIn]

Love the content. Informative, grounded, relaxing, high-production. Your article writing is fire too btw, just to mention the elephant in the room.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks, Greg!! Although I don’t appreciate you being more clever than me.

[@RezzPoker64]

Hey Phil! Im 25 and Ive been a poker pro since 21. I watch all your content on social media and KZbin as soon as I see them posted. You are truly an inspiration to youth like me , thanks for your time to create content, your genuine honesty and care for poker community. Hope to meet you up one day in person. Watching this video in particular made me feel relaxed and motivated as I figured my path is the right one :)

[@PhilGalfond]

Really kind words. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. ♥️

[@Pokerfarhang]

Great video, thanks for opening up 🍀🙏 I'm 38 too, but I think I've wasted so much of my potential along the way

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you and you’re very welcome. The good news is, you’ve got plenty of time left. We’re still younger than it feels like we are.

[@NoSauceNoSauce]

Love the old school young Phil picture with a bunch of friends cramped in a dorm room. Am I the only one who paused the video cracking up?

[@maxev817]

Phil, this video is choke-full of wisdom, for young kids and kids at heart, delivered in your low key style. You don't know me but as a member of RIO, I respect you even more. I didn't think that was possible.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@Itsjustme1982]

As a guy whos been playing poker for 10 years now, in my early 40s and with a career. One of my biggest difficulties is setting my structure and stop / loss and responsiblity in poker. I'm surprisingly a winning player after 10 years of playing it took me a very long time. Really enjoyed watching this video. Structure is unbelievably important and responsibility. Poker is a game that demands the best out of you at all times. Great video. Look forward too checking out the Mindset Strategy Playbook.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

That Pete Clarke course, " From the ground up " is possibly the best deal of any course of anywhere. That course is absolutely worth every penny and Pete explains things well enough for a moron like me to understand. I really appreciate what you, as the founder of RIO, and Pete have done for my game. Thank you Phil and Pete

[@jessemac401]

Finding good coaches/mentors and connecting with people in general has been a challenge for me. Thank you Phil for sharing your experience and wisdom, it is inspiring.

[@st1nos]

thanks for giving back by creating this free e-book, phil. much appreciated!

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re so welcome! Please let me know how you enjoy it!!

[@erikbeukelaer9054]

I’m 21 and looking for insight on how to go about a lot of things, not just poker and watching this video gave me a lot to think on. Thank you!

[@martincarr7486]

Phil seems like a genuinely nice guy and very honest and straight talking dude, one of his biggest strengths for poker is his temperament and his personality

[@benhusmann6521]

You're awesome Phil. I really enjoy these opportunities to share in your journey, and grow from your wisdom. Thank you.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jluchette]

Absolute gems, Phil. I’m your age exactly and I could be used a lot of this advice years ago, and need to apply a lot of it now. Thank you so much for sharing about your personal life. That takes courage & genuine concern for others. I have a ton of respect for you.

[@tomprice4016]

Great video. The part about mentorship at an early age is huge, IMHO.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!!

[@noongbat5272]

I’m 21yo starting to take poker seriously, this is unbelievably relevant to what I have experienced already and gives me things to be mindful of and ready for in perusing my dream. Thanks Phill as always very worthwhile content and advice

[@PhilGalfond]

Incredible! I'm so happy I put this out.

[@senaaish]

Even though the video is 4 months old, and I am a "smartest" 23 year old newbie finishing Master studies, I watched every second and realized you mean everything you said. After my term exams are done I will read your book. Thank you for the advice Phil! My whole life I watched my father play live and online and literally crush It, and I hope with the Knowledge he gave me and the one I will aquire throughout time I will surpass him one day. Best regards from Montenegro

[@Tony-zv9eu]

The quality and value of this video is off the charts🤯

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you 😊

[@MrAvrahamt]

Dude you are an amazing person. You have so much love in you . Thank you!

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️

[@Eric-tj3tg]

Always great value, Phil. I'm quite a bit older than my 21-year old and 38 year-old selves, but heard this as if I were "born again." This is gold! Thanks Phil.

[@johnd5619]

The old loop back around sleep schedule. A Classic!

[@kylerosenthal9560]

Currently 24, battling with things like thinking I know everything and lacking structure in my life, to a point where these are improving, but reassuring to hear someone I look up to have the same struggles at my age.

[@PhilGalfond]

If you’re aware of the problem, you’re well ahead of the curve!

[@itsjimlim]

Damn this video was amazing, first poker vid I’ve watched start to finish in a while and exactly what I needed to watch rn

[@PhilGalfond]

I really appreciate that. Thank you, and I’m glad it came at the right time!

[@TooXtra]

Phil I was playing cash games while listening to uu. And bro it’s like you’re the good Angel and my initial thought is the bad Angel. I was down to 4 bucks because I tiled and started to get emotional. But I put my head phone on and clicked on a random video of yours and just patiently waited. But when the 6-4 suited came I went all in and so did everyone. But it’s like I heard uu say. NOW. 😂😂😂😂 Thanks for your sharing your story. Along with your tips. Glad u actually care enough about us younger more hot headed players.

[@stevevanniekerk1128]

You are the GOAT !!!.. absolute LEGEND....sure even Tommy is proud of you!!

[@passiongaming7450]

Amazing video Phil, thanks for taking the time to make this content 👍🏻

[@PhilGalfond]

My pleasure 😊

[@kevinsmith5202]

I totally relate with the whole family & relationship life putting poker on the back burner thing. I lived in Vegas from ‘06-‘12 and played poker very regularly with good success. When I moved back home to CT I lost the convenience of being able to play live poker whenever I wanted, so I didn’t play as much. Well, many years later, a wife, home and foster child I hardly play anymore. When I do though, I definitely feel the rust in my game. I play online mostly now, but I’m not the player I once was. Someday I’ll get back to crushing it again, hopefully 🤞.

[@BoomtownPH]

You are very articulate and I find your advice insightful. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst essentially. Be well rounded and have self discipline.

[@juanalonsotaboadaalvites4539]

Thank you, Phil, for sharing your experience. Much success to you!

[@JorgeMachado-rf3er]

Good material Phil, i hope to success in my career in Vegas next year

[@alexandergustafsson2280]

Great piece of content once again Phil, these videos + your newsletters have really been helping me lately.

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome! Thank you so much! KZbin and the Newsletter are the two platforms I’ve decided to work the hardest on, so I love hearing that you’re getting value out of each.

[@alexandergustafsson2280]

@@PhilGalfond The newsletter help a tremendous amount, especially when you are discussing strategy and bet sizing.

[@jongjongksdvj748]

I love all of your videos, and all the insights you always show us.

[@ChildishPlays]

Great video! Everyone needs to see this

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!!

[@rhyschen]

I started from scratch so many times that scratch became my friend. Even now. Its never too late to start over.

[@NoirExistence]

Your wisdom is always appreciated sir.

[@bcsolorza]

I absolutely love your content. Probably should look up the power coaching as i bet it's top of the line.

[@RolandoAvila-ep7cu]

Phil Galfond, the gift that keeps on giving. You are my idol and an inspiration. Thank you for the amazing work you do for the poker community.

[@PhilGalfond]

Wow, thank you so much ♥️ Those words mean a lot to me.

[@shaunh9986]

Thanks for sharing Phil. Keep making awesome content

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome!

[@benlondon11]

Phil, you are such a pro on and off the felt. Your openess to sharing these things that really matter in life is truly inspiring. Thank you.

[@PhilGalfond]

Wow, thank you so much 😊

[@benji6725]

Never take things for granted. I remember thinking games will be so juicy for ever.

[@brutusasterix6538]

You were one of my favorite poker players both because of your play, but also because of your personality, when I was playing poker 10+ years ago. Lately, I've gotten interested in poker again, although it's unfortunately not legal to play in my country. I really enjoy your videos - and this one in particular 👍

[@kirilllosik7054]

priceless info, thank you so much for sharing!

[@g_nizzle]

Phil Goatfond!

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️ enjoy it!

[@joepescitheelement]

This was a great much appreciated TED talk, thanks for sharing all of this

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you very much 😃

[@joepescitheelement]

@@PhilGalfond you’re welcome. One of the things I really like about this talk, is your mix in vulnerability away from the table (relationships, friendships, health, family, mistakes, short-sightedeness, etc). Only a handful of pros really do that in their material, and next to no one does it in the levels under the professionals. Too much street bravado and ego, unless you REALLY get close to your poker friends. Your vulnerability normalizes the dynamic humanism behind a poker player, and I hope more people optimistically pick up on it. There are too many miserable people in the player ranks lol

[@nathansmith7335]

I love you Phil - you’re the best and thank you for being so open and honest

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️☺️

[@mikewakefieldgeller4164]

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Phil Galfond is pokers voice of reason.

[@johnreyes9511]

Great story. Very insightful. Thanks Phil!!!

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome!

[@ninjakiwi1013]

As a 22 year old really needed this. Much appreciated phil

[@KEEPlT1K]

22 as well, Agree

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome!! You all are who I made it for! I really hope it helps. You’ll still make mistakes (we all will), but hopefully you can learn from some of mine as well.

[@IconicGamble]

great stuff, as always, Phill

[@jluchette]

I’m your age and STILL struggle with structure. It’s connected to some minor mental health issues (1. No excuses 2. I’m managing it with therapy and a med 3. There’s no “magic bullet”) and because of lack of structure I’ve never been able to SUSTAIN any success: professionally, financially, relationships, community service work… I’ve been successful at those things and maintained them for years (5+, not like a year and a month) but the lack of STRUCTURE has caused me to either lose that success completely, or to backslide. Structure. Excellent lesson. Also, eat right & excercise. Indeed, your body is not as forgiving at 40 as it is at 20.

[@garyk5141]

Thanks phil for another insightful video. Couldn't agree more with how much more valuable your time is once you get older. When I was in my 20's my job paid me $16-18 an hour now making over $30+ hour but with that increase in pay, typically comes even more workload and responsibilities, which makes spending your "free"time even more costly to use for studying poker. You also have less mental bandwidth to spare as well when you do. So ive replaced an hour of TV time a day and replaced it with studying poker instead.

[@jnad626]

Thanks Phil! I am 22 and just graduated college, but will be pursuing poker professionally. What you said about structure in life and poker resonated with me a lot! Even at 22 I find that getting proper sleep and having somewhat of a routine to follow goes a very long way

[@PhilGalfond]

Way to go! You’re a much more impressive 22 year old than the poker players I knew back when I was your age 😂

[@nicor6415]

sounds a bit like my own experiences, just on another lower level. I am 36 years old, crushing small stakes sit n gos, until the point where i thought "ok i beat the game on a decent level - no need to invest in further studies until the others catch up"... - than i missed the point, where it turned around. I didnt took the changing circumstances for real... I became a loosing player and quitted because I was thinking "you are obviously not able to be consistent over a long time" - The Reality is: I was not willing to... But the game never left my heart. After a couple of years, I was finally capable to reflect on myself from a different, more mature perspective. So nowadays I am grinding just "projectwise" instead of trying to be a pro. I set my goals smaller over a shorter amount of time. Thats just fine for me. I dont need to be perfect and become the "Greatest" - doing just fine, with fun and enthuasim is more than enough to be happy.

[@willinnewhaven3285]

My greatest mentor was the late Harold Feldheim, bridge expert, chess and backgammon hustler. I learned a great deal about gambling and the gambling life from him, even though he was not a great poker player.

[@PhilGalfond]

Awesome!

[@SagostundenSvenska]

Im 38 and I've done it the other way around, career, family, kids, played casual for 20+ years but thinking about going more pro now. I found it helpful. Just wish I knew where to find a good coach that fits me.

[@ksmith169]

Hi Phil - Great video. Your advice rings true for broader life outside poker. I particularly like the advice about engaging with mentors who want your success rather than just the pay cheque. This is of course hard to judge but definitely worth considering.

[@jongjongksdvj748]

The ivey and isildur formats were great, more of some old school poker videos would be great maybe with your experience with Doyle Brunson

[@BobbyKDesigns]

Great video!

[@Bedardraurus]

You are such a great model, thank you for all the content, really inspiring.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much 😊 and you’re very welcome.

[@golofischer1648]

such a good video phil ty

[@hansmartinmikkelsenkvendse1893]

Fantstic Phil. Thank you for another great video.

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@ruebs]

I bought Tommy Angelo's book early on and it was pivotal to my poker game

[@bennychua9932]

Something most people won’t tell you about ❤ always big respect for this guy

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️

[@germanvargascamelo7877]

Hello there Phil, thanks for your advice, i am 33 now and have play online for a living the last 3 years, i hope one day i could be like you, i have some pressure because i have to pay my bills with my weekly rakeback, but i love this game so i try to continuesly work on my strategy game and in my mental game, thanks also for the book, i am sure it is going to help me to remember why i do this for a living and be more prepared for ups and downs in my game

[@davehimlin2374]

Here is my own original quote about the poker life. "In order to be a consistent winner at the table, you have to surround yourself with consistent losers at the table, which can have alot of unforseen negative consequences " .

[@brockwilson8864]

i love these videos phil thanks

[@MWBOOKS]

Thank you, Phil, you are an inspiration. Great human being :)

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️😊

[@th693]

nice video Phil, some great insights. I could listen to you read the dictionary and enjoy it.

[@PhilGalfond]

♥️

[@SSorenchr]

Great video, Phil. Really good points and reflections. I think that it is hard to think about investing in yourself when you are that young, but it is a good way of thinking

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!!

[@eduardcollec5257]

Thank you, Phil!

[@r.w.221]

this is really great. I think a lot has to do with fake self confidence when you are young. I could not admitt that I was wrong when I was 21. one thing I understand the older I get is that be always prepared to be wrong with your opinon. some people never learn this but the sooner you learn it the easier you can benefit. I still find it very difficult to identify a mentor/ coach as I usually want to learn something in areas where I know others might know better.

[@GOPA90]

This was a fantastic video.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! The team and I worked hard on it.

[@custer14]

Yo thanks G dawg this was deep

[@iGioneo4]

Thank you phil galfond

[@Sportassi25]

Thank you very much Mister Galfond 🙂👍

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome!

[@whatplan4335]

This was a great video thank you

[@PhilGalfond]

You are so welcome!

[@placeholdermcgavinport5343]

How did you get the bankroll to play high stakes on full tilt at such a young age?

[@johntrevett2944]

Phil, remember when you were a nit on HSP and they didn't invite you back?

[@PhilGalfond]

Yes, I made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYaqqYGjbt-ogpI

[@JMP-ETTAN]

So honest, top top man

[@tenzinjangchup5215]

I’m 22 years old, and love poker. Play about couple times a week. I have found myself to be up a bit, then lose it all later. So tilting, so I’m thinking about seeking a mentorship. How do you go about getting a mentor?

[@dgfox474]

Great content as always Phil. I don’t feel like I have the intellect or memory or discipline to absorb so much of the information that is available. I’m definitely a recreational player, who likes picking up bits and pieces of poker wisdom here and there. A lot of my (limited) success is based on having a fairly good knowledge of pre-flop ranges, and then intuiting my way to the river. I think I may be on the threshold of making more intelligent assessments of how the hand is playing out, and acting accordingly. I’m not sure why I’m sharing all this, apart from the fact that your vlogs inspire openness. Many thanks, David

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for your openness! I have no idea of your intellect, but I can tell you that I don’t have a great memory, and that discipline is, at least largely, a learned trait - I didn’t used to have it.

[@joshharrison3344]

Did I see a Lauryn Hill vinyl in the work office?? ✊🏾 (8:55)

[@jasonli5024]

Well done!❤

[@I2gintel]

Followed u since early on.. big fan - wat size bankroll u had then. Wat roll do u recommend for 1. Non professional who plays 4-6 times a month 2. If non pro do we need to identify a roll , money is extra doesn’t affect family n bills. Thx