Di, I struggled a lot when I took up poker first as a pastime. I played once a week in a tournament. I was a natural.I started winning.
I grew up in a stout Catholic home. Bingo (for the church) and card playing on cold winter nights were never shunned.

However playing poker in a Casino for money made me so uncomfortable that I talked to another lady about it.This is what she said. "Pro Golfers golf for a living. They pay fees and entries to compete at a "sport" that they excel at. You pay an entry fee to play a competetive sport that you are good at." I gave this some thought and prayed. I decided to become the "best I can be" at something that I have a passion for.

If I practiced the piano as many hours as I practice poker, I would be one of the best pianists in the world, lol.

I make my living by praying tournaments and I don't win every time I play but I do make the money more times than not.

I read books, I practice maybe 4-8 hrs a day online and I research, research, research how to play certain hands from certain positions. I am a very serious poker player.I eat,sleep and pray poker.

Luck...there is a lot of luck involved in the game, yes. Any game where competition is involved includes luck - good and bad. Skill can't overcome luck sometimes but skill can avoid bad luck most of the time. "Good Luck" is a well known and worn out phrase around the poker world.

I believe this. If God gave me this talent, he would want me to do my best and he helps those who help themselves.I am giving it my all.

Just the same, there are still days that I stuggle with the 'gambling' word that is associated with playing poker...

Great topic, I am curious as to how others feel