Behind many successful players lies a lesser-known but crucial element of the poker ecosystem: the poker stable. But what exactly is a poker stable, and how does it shape the landscape of professional poker?
The Basics of Poker Stables
A poker stable is a group of poker players who are financially backed and supported by a single person or organization, known as the backer. These stables serve as a bridge between talented players and the financial resources they need to compete at higher levels. While some stables focus solely on providing monetary support, others offer a more comprehensive package that includes financial backing, coaching, and tools to help their players grow and succeed.
The concept of a poker stable is closely tied to the practice of poker staking. Staking occurs when a player receives funds to participate in games, either of their choosing or as selected by the backer. In return for this financial support, the backer receives a percentage of the player’s winnings.
The Evolution of Poker Staking
Poker staking has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In the early days of poker, staking arrangements were often as simple as a handshake agreement between two individuals. These informal deals typically involved one professional player supporting another, or a business person backing a promising newcomer.
However, in today’s poker world, staking deals have become much more sophisticated and formalized. While trust still plays a role, many online poker players now sign detailed contracts that outline the terms of their arrangement. These contracts cover everything from the duration of the agreement and specific games to be played, to staking fees and markup rates. This level of detail and planning is particularly important in an era where many stakeholders and backers may never meet face-to-face.
Key Players in a Poker Stable
Understanding the dynamics of a poker stable requires familiarity with some key terms:
- Backer: The individual or organization providing the financial resources necessary for a player to participate in poker events.
- Horse: A player who receives backing and agrees to share their winnings with the backer.
- Stable: A group of players (horses) backed by a single investor (backer).
- Shares: The portion of potential winnings owned by the backer.
The Benefits of Joining a Poker Stable
For many poker players, joining a stable such as Standard Backing can be a game-changer. Here are some of the key benefits:
Financial Support and Risk Mitigation
One of the primary advantages of being part of a poker stable is the financial backing it provides. This support allows players to compete in higher-stakes games than their personal bankroll might otherwise allow. For tournament players, where variance can have a significant impact on short-term success, this backing can be particularly valuable.
Being staked for tournaments often makes more sense than for cash games due to the higher volatility involved. The ability to compete in tournaments with large prize pools without fear of personal financial loss is a major advantage.
Reduced Financial Stress
Poker can be an emotionally and financially stressful game, especially when dealing with the inevitable ups and downs of variance. A good staking contract can help players overcome some of their biggest fears and anxieties about the game, providing a level of financial security that allows them to focus on improving their play.
Access to Coaching and Resources
Many poker stables offer more than just financial backing. They often provide comprehensive training programs, including regular hand analysis, personal and group coaching sessions, and access to advanced poker software[2]. For example, the FunFarm stable offers a structured “Player’s Path” with multiple stages of training, from free courses for beginners to closed clubs for more advanced players.
Networking Opportunities
Being part of a stable can open doors to valuable networking opportunities within the poker community. Players can learn from and collaborate with other members of their stable, sharing strategies and experiences[1]. Some larger stables, like Team651, function almost like poker subcommunities, providing their members with a supportive environment for growth and development[3].
Types of Poker Stables
Poker stables come in various forms, each catering to different player needs and skill levels:
Tournament-Focused Stables
These stables specialize in backing players for poker tournaments. Given the high variance nature of tournament poker, where a player might go through hundreds or even thousands of tournaments without a significant win, the backing provided by these stables can be crucial.
Cash Game Stables
While less common than tournament stables, some organizations focus on backing cash game players. For example, Greenline Poker is a cash game stable that accepts players who meet certain criteria, such as being profitable at NL10+ or PLO25+ and playing at least 100,000 hands per year.
Mixed Format Stables
Some stables, like ITCPoker Team, welcome both beginners and experienced players and offer training for various poker formats under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Specialized Format Stables
Certain stables focus on specific poker formats. For instance, bitB Spins specializes in Spin & Go tournaments, offering financial backing, coaching, and strategy materials specifically tailored to this format.
The Structure of a Poker Stable
The structure of a poker stable can vary, but many operate on a principle known as a “makeup deal.” In this arrangement, the backer provides 100% of the funds for the horse to play poker. The winnings are typically split 50/50 between the backer and the horse, but the horse must first pay back any losses before they can start profiting.
For example, if a player loses $3,000 over three days and then wins $2,000 on the fourth day, they wouldn’t receive any of that $2,000. Instead, it would go towards paying back the $3,000 deficit. Only after the entire deficit is paid back would the player start receiving their share of the winnings.
Poker Stable Examples
- MVP Team – offers 100% financing in MTTs
- ITC Poker Team – training under their coaches
- Standard Backing – personalized, multilingual poker coaching
Challenges and Considerations
While poker stables offer many benefits, they also come with challenges and considerations:
Makeup and Long-Term Commitments
Players can sometimes accumulate significant makeup, especially in tournament poker where a player might go on a long losing streak before hitting a big win. This can lead to situations where a player wins a large tournament but has little to show for it personally due to accumulated makeup.
Potential for Fraud
Both backers and horses need to be wary of potential fraud. Backers must do thorough research before staking a player, including reviewing their track record, quizzing them on poker strategy, and getting references on their ability and trustworthiness.
And some sites such as GG Poker have now banned stables stating it violates the rules of their platform, such as teamplay and softplay:
Balancing Independence and Support
While the support of a stable can be invaluable, some players may find the loss of independence challenging. It’s important for players to carefully consider the terms of any staking agreement and ensure it aligns with their personal goals and playing style.
The Future of Poker Stables
As the poker landscape continues to evolve, so too will the role of poker stables. With the increasing complexity of the game and the rising costs of competing at high levels, stables are likely to become even more integral to the poker ecosystem.
The integration of advanced technology, including AI and big data analytics, may lead to more sophisticated training programs and player evaluation methods within stables. Additionally, the growing popularity of online poker and new formats like Spin & Go’s may lead to more specialized stables catering to these niches.
Conclusion
Poker stables represent a fascinating intersection of finance, education, and competitive gaming. They provide a crucial support system for many poker players, offering not just financial backing but also the coaching, resources, and community needed to succeed in the challenging world of professional poker.
For aspiring poker players, joining a reputable stable can be a fast track to improvement and higher stakes play. For backers, stables offer the opportunity to invest in poker talent and potentially reap significant rewards.
As the poker world continues to evolve, poker stables will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of poker professionals. Whether you’re a player looking to take your game to the next level or an investor interested in the world of poker, understanding the dynamics of poker stables is key to navigating the complex and exciting world of professional poker.
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