Lessons From a Life in Online Poker

By Chris Moorman

Over the past two decades, Chris Moorman has carved out one of the most impressive résumés in online poker history. With millions in online winnings and a reputation as one of the game’s most consistent tournament crushers, Moorman’s story is one of discipline, reinvention, and unshakable passion for the game.

“I’ve been playing poker for 20 years, but I still have a strong passion for it,” Moorman says. “Every day, I’m either studying, grinding, or talking hands with people I respect. It’s still a huge part of my life.”

The Hunger for Improvement

That passion, combined with a constant hunger for improvement, is what sets Moorman apart in a game that never stops evolving. Despite being a veteran of the online felt, Moorman doesn’t rely on past glories. Instead, he dives into tournament streams, watches how other players handle complex spots, and constantly refines his strategies.

“I play a lot online and in live tournaments to get experience against all kinds of players,” he says. “And I watch a lot of poker content to see what other people are doing, where I can exploit, where I can tighten up.”

Quality Over Quantity

This blend of practical play and continuous study is a blueprint for longevity in a field where many players burn out. But Moorman is quick to emphasize that it’s not just about quantity, it’s about quality of focus.

“I only play when I really want to,” he explains. “For example, I’d been grinding WSOP and Wynn events for a month straight and started to feel a bit burnt out. So I skipped the Aria $3,500 Main Event to rest up for the WSOP Main. That’s something I’ve learned to listen to, my body and my mind.”

That discipline also shows up in his ability to deal with tough losses and near-misses.

The Pivotal Hand

He recalls one pivotal hand early in his career, when he jammed AK and was called by AQ, only to bust the biggest tournament he’d played at the time. On the surface, it was a standard spot. But there was a catch.

“My opponent had been raising frequently because the big blind was disconnected,” Moorman says. “I finally picked up a premium hand and shoved, only to get called loose and lose. But that hand made me realize, you don’t need a premium holding to make an aggressive play. It changed how I thought about re-raising and aggression.”

That insight sparked a transformation in his game. No longer waiting for the “right hand,” Moorman began crafting a more dynamic, nuanced strategy. It was a turning point that helped him unlock the success that followed.

Success Redefined

When asked what success looks like now compared to when he started, Moorman doesn’t hesitate. “These days, I link success to enjoyment. If I’m having fun, I’m usually focused and playing well.”

But there’s another layer: longevity. “To still be putting up results year after year, that shows how much work I’ve put in,” he adds. “That’s something I’m proud of.”

The Mentor’s Perspective

As a mentor to other players, Moorman has also gained new perspective. “Coaching helps me identify my own leaks. It forces you to think through strategies and explain things clearly. And sometimes, your student teaches you something too.”

His best advice for live players? Learn from the online grind. “A chip and a chair. It’s not over until it’s over,” he says. “I see a lot of live players give up mentally when they lose a big pot and get short-stacked. Online players are used to staying in the game, they know the comeback is always possible.”

Mastering the Mental Battlefield

From hard-earned epiphanies to relentless self-evaluation, Moorman’s career stands as a testament to what’s possible with focus, adaptability, and love for the craft. For him, poker has never just been about trophies, it’s about mastering the mental battlefield one hand at a time.

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