About me: I was born 1967, I am married, and I own a company that creates free websites for web users, like this one. My income is made from advertisers on these web sites and playing poker. I choose this life so I could stay at home with my son and give him as much time as possible. I feel parents that have to work too much miss out in their child's life. It is so important to spend time with them.

In 2003 I saw on the TV, just like everyone else has, a young man named Chris Moneymaker win the World Series of Poker. This person had only played online and had only been playing for 2 years. He had never played a live game untill that tournament. This amazed me.

Later that same week I saw a young Russian win $500,000 dollars on the World Poker Tour. He had been playing only 18 months, but he received help from a poker tutor. Once again I was amazed. This all happened in December of 2003.

On January 1st 2004 I decided to start learning. Instead of diving right in to the game, I did some research. I found out which books were good and which were not. I went to the book store and bought every book that was available on my list. I did not play online until I finished reading my 1st book, and then I only played with play money. If I could not win at play money I should not be playing poker.

After 2 weeks of winning at play money I decided to start at the low limits of real money 50 cents / 1 dollar. I was one of the fortunate poker starters that never paid tuition, as the pros call it. Tuition is the cost of playing when you 1st start, basically losing a lot due to inexperience. Even Howard Lederer lost his first 2 years of playing poker. But with the knowledge available today people can offset losing early and improve their game very quickly.

I found several forums on poker and started posting questions and hand histories. I got opinions, bothered good players locally for advise, and read more books. Some of the books I read many times over, some only once. My game kept improving.

My Poker Book Collection

There were weeks when I lost, and weeks when I won. For my 1st 3 months I broke even playing making only marginal amounts of money. After 3 months I purchased a program called Poker Tracker. Now I could analyze my online play and see where the weaknesses in my game were. Now I could understand the logic behind the books. I recommend this program for all serious players.

After 6 months I closed more gaps in my game and starting making an income. I purchased more books on poker psychology and player tells. I played live games and won. My 1st tournament I ever entered live I got 2nd place, I won $1,500. Things have only gotten better from there. My most recent I won over $5000 in a tournament. Curently I own over 50 books on poker.

Now mind you not all days are profitable. Any poker player that says he wins all the time is a liar. There are days when the less skilled players get lucky and beat you. But if there was no such thing as luck, no one would play. It takes concentration and discipline to get good at playing poker. And even when you think you are good, you are not good enough. Each month I improve my game. Yes there are better poker players out there but I know that I play well.

As all poker players I do aspire to get rich from playing poker. But this goal is not for selfish reasons, I wish to help others. I see so many people that are suffering unfairly in these times due to lower salaries and higher cost of living. The fact that it takes both parents working to have a decent living is terrible for their child and the parents well being. It was very different when I was a kid. I want to give to those in need and I try to do this even though I don't have much myself.

This year I gave away my car to someone in desperate need instead of selling it for $800 to a dealership. It was one of the best feelings I have ever had to give and make a difference in someone's life. That's why I want to be rich at this game. To do this everyday and help others in need. Barry Greenstein is my hero.

Thanks for reading, Al.