Welcome From the Forum Administration
I would like to introduce myself to you and give you some information about me. I am 42 years old, and currently live in Monument, Colorado at near 8000 ft. The snow provides alot of indoor writing time. I am married and have 6 children between the ages of 1.5 years to 16 years. My wife is an absolute saint and I can't imagine being without her! I have started, or helped to start, several different business. Some have failed, some have succeeded, all were tremendous learning experiences. I wrestled in junior high, high school and college, and when done with my personal carreer, was the head coach of some absolutely fabulous wrestlers and teams in Los Gatos, CA. Poker fullfills that competitive need that was filled by wrestling for so many years.
I received two degrees from college, one in Education and the other Bible and Theology. (And a minor in something or other...I forget what, probably Physical Education.) I know, it seems odd to some, thinking that Bible and Theology, and a 'gambling game' such as poker could mix, but, I have two opinions on that. #1 To me, poker is a skill when learned well, and is no more gambling than starting a new business. You put money into a new business, learn as much as you can, work hard at it, and hope it goes. Sometimes, the business doesn't work out and you have to know when to cut your losses. #2 God created strategy, games and fun. He created us with needs for 'down time'. Poker is just like the game 'monopoly' in the sense that it is a game. He created creativity, the mind and skills. Evil does not live in the cards, it is all in how you handle yourself, your mindset to the game, your mindset to money, and how you deal with others. Desiring poker to be your living does not make you a bad person. Poker can be used for good or for bad, just like alcohol, prescription meds, food, other sports, running a multinational corporation, or even friendships. It is not my place to make this determination for you, I'm just stating my position. If you disagree, you have the right to your opinion, I just don't recommend trying to argue with me over it.
I have been playing poker, online and live, for over 12 years. I currently play in a WPT league two nights a week and go to Cripple Creek to play in the tournaments there when I can. I have have had the privilege to play with many great players over the years and have learned much from them. I have attempted to gather as much about this game as is available out there and have turned to teaching others how to play the game as well. My goal is to create a community for poker players, that they desire to be a part of and contribute to. I desire this forum to be a learning area so that others can learn how to play the game well. I would prefer to teach those how to play than watch them struggle or "suckout" at a crucial point in the game due to pure luck and have to cringe at it. Do I think I know it all, no, of course not. Do I make mistakes, many games yes. Am I a professional player? While poker has at times provided for my family, no it is not my main source of income...yet. (Maybe when my kids are grown) I play for fun. I play for the competition and love of the game, and I administrate this site for the love of the poker community as a whole.
Poker is a game in which there are several different styles and I have found one that works well for me. My hope is that this forum, through the view points of many of its members and not just my own, will help improve your play and help you find a style that works well for you also. You will find me at the tables under the screen name of "Skoalman". I took the name years ago, got known by it, and it just stuck, so...there ya have it. Oh and just a warning if we have become friends, I would take out my own mother on the tables to go for the win, and I would expect the same from you. And just so you know, my mom would try to take me out too...to a degree she taught me how to be competitive. The rest just came naturally.
Gloss Forum Admin
"I have known clergyman who did not know...the meaning of a 'flush'. It is enough to make one ashamed of one's species." -Mark Twain
