Mike , I don't know how old you are, what your income is or if you have a family to support, but I urge you to keep the following in mind:

If you play in a brick and morter casino ( e.g. a local casino as opposed to on the internet,) then the following information may help you decide if that's what you really want to do.

Assuming 9 players to a table, an average dealer will deal approximately 36 hand per hour (hold-em.) This means that you will be posting the blinds (small and big) four time per hour.

Assume also that you are playing in a low limit game (4 and 8 and the blinds are $2.00 on the small blind and $4.00 on the big blind,) which is the average for the games played in California--although variences do exist.

But based in these figures, it is going to cost you $24.00 per hour in blinds to play.

Assume in addition, you play only 10 hours a week. 10 hours per week times $24.00 per hour equal $240.00 per week times 50 weeks means that you must make $12,000 per year JUST TO BREAK EVEN.

Now, one more assumption. If you win your average number of pots per hour which is 4 (with 9 players you win 1 in 9 times) and tip the dealer $1.00 per hand that you win, then you can add an additional $2,000 in tips.

So now were talking about winning $14,000 per year JUST TO BREAK EVEN.

Now for the last step. Ask anyone on this board to give you a truthful answer that keeps accurate records if any one of them is making any money.

I can tell you I play most every day but am retired, with no bills or family to support other than my wife so winning or losing has no bearing upon my life style what so ever. But I do it for enjoyment.

But I see too many young folks (many making a lot of money) but not a pot to Pi-- in, playing way over there head trying for the big kill going home broke and having to explain to their wife when the next dollar is coming.

I know I'll get critizism for what I am saying and people who do not belive me, but this is what 50 years plus of playing poker has taught me. If you can control your playing to recreation only, have a great time. Otherwise, beware.

I do pride myself on one thing. Only one of my children knows I visit the card rooms and none of my grandchildren know about it. And I hope they will never find out as I adhere to the policy of "Do as I say and not as I do."