Life: Build A Good Sexual Reputation

I became a big advocate of maintaining a solid sexual reputation after I ran into Amy, a friend of one of my ex-girlfriend's, at a gallery opening last year. She told me Giselle (my ex) only had nice things to say about me.
A few glasses of champagne later, Amy began hinting that it wasn't my cooking skills or music collection that Giselle had been talking up. As the night wore on, it became clear that this girl was hungry to see if I could live up to the hype. We started in the cab on the way back to her place and didn't stop until lunch the next day.
It was a top 10 romp with a gorgeous girl, and my ex indirectly did all the groundwork for me! It became clear to me that spreading the word of my bedroom prowess -- or more to the point, having others spread it for me -- was an untapped source of action.
The problem is that guys who brag about how good they are in bed usually aren't. Kudos to them for at least trying to boost their sexual rep; there are big rewards to be reaped if word gets out. But these guys are going about it all wrong. Be subtle, innovative and resourceful, and you could find yourself saddled with a reputation as a top-shelf lover. And trust me: There are way worse things to be known as.

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Project sexual confidence

Your confidence will speak for itself. That doesn't mean you should grind up against strange women at the bar, but the guy who clams up and blushes when the word "penis" crops up isn't going to come off very smooth.
You can project sexual savvy via certain cues. Women equate abilities on the dance floor with abilities in the sack, so learn some moves. Flailing about like a beached salmon will put the absolute kybosh on any chance of bedding the girl, so if you can't dance, suck it up and take some lessons. It's a fantastic investment, and you'll probably have a ton of fun taking them.
How to make food, clothes, female friends, and your own moves work for you...
Ditto for food: You can convey a certain sensuality in the way you approach eating; that is, with well-mannered relish and enthusiasm. Be adventurous and order food that involves slurping or the tactile experience of eating with your hands. She'll see how talented you are with your tongue and hands and she'll make the assumptions from there.
Finally, dress the part. The girl wearing the microskirt and lace shirt may be nice to look at, but she doesn't leave a lot to the imagination. The same goes for the dude in the wife beater and skin-tight jeans. Wear something stylish and comfortable, but be sure that it "accidentally" floats up while you're dancing and gives her a quick sneak peak at what you've got.

Word of mouth

The power of someone else's word cannot be overstated. Having another person brag about your prowess will do so much more to get you tail than the hottest dance moves ever could.
Ideally, you'll have a female friend creating the buzz about your sexual skills rather than a male friend. It'll be far more effective, as women know that we band together in these kinds of ventures. Your buddy -- his best intentions aside -- could end up squandering your chances.
In either case, the word of mouth needs to be delivered discreetly, and your presence as the motivation behind it needs to be invisible. Play it subtle; don't have your friend blurt out how well endowed you are, but have her casually mention to her friends how your ex won't stop badgering you to maintain a physical relationship.

Deliver the goods

The best route here is the natural one: Build your sexual reputation sincerely, and they will come. Take a look back through my articles for a quick refresher course on what you can do to make it more than just another roll in the hay. Make it memorable enough for her, and she'll pass on her experience to a few of her friends. And they tell five friends, who tell five friends, and so on...

Rock that rep

Soon enough, a fantastic web of ladies will know just how good you are at what you do. From there, it's up to you to reap what you sow. Happy reaping!

Sex: Female Libido Killers

There are loads of things that affect a woman's sex drive. Some factors are obvious, while others definitely are not. It can be very difficult to tell exactly what the problem is, so here is a collection of sneaky things -- from birth control to ecstasy -- that may be affecting her sex drive.

Common libido killers
The most common libido killers are stress, children, relationship problems, physical injuries or lack of physical ability, and illness. Libido is fairly fragile at times and relies on many different human aspects -- emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual -- to work in harmony.
1- Psychological hindrances
Confidence. Confidence issues and stress are both major hindrances to a healthy sex life. Bad self-image is the worst offender, with weight issues topping the list. These are the women who always want the lights out and won't fully undress in front of you. It can take a long time for a woman to get comfortable in her own skin, and the best thing you can do is reassure her that she is beautiful and desirable. Find the parts of her you love (her brain as well as her body), and remind her how great she is as often as you like.
Stress. Most people are a little stressed, but when it starts to affect your sex life, it becomes a problem. Stress relief is in order here, but how that is achieved is up to you and her. Take the bull by the horns, and provide a relaxing massage and a bit of pampering -- this will go a long way. Just watch out if she is stressed and tired because a great massage may put her to sleep!
Anxiety. If she is anxious, she won't be randy. Along with stress, feeling anxious about sex for whatever reason (perhaps childhood abuse, rape or other fears) is a tragedy not only for your sex life, but for her whole life. She needs to figure out and overcome her reasons for feeling anxious, and the best thing you can do is support her. It won't be easy, but with good communication, it can be handled and eventually resolved.
2- Physical health
Lack of physical exercise. Women who exercise regularly have higher sex drives, and more often than not, their periods are less painful and PMS is a lot less severe or even non-existent. In fact, if a woman does regular strenuous exercise (four times a week for about an hour), she is far less likely to suffer from hormone-induced problems. This happens because when the body is healthy, small chemical and hormone changes have the effect they're supposed to have -- preparing the body for pregnancy -- instead of causing major disturbances to chemicals in the brain and wreaking havoc on the body and mind.
It can be an extremely stupid thing to suggest to a woman that she exercise more, so by suggesting physical things you can do together (like going for jogs or rollerblading), you are improving your own sex life (and overall health and happiness).
Poor diet. Diet plays a major role in painful periods, and in overall happiness and well-being. Her diet can be stopping her from feeling her best, so taking a good look at what goes in will help to determine what her body dishes out. After all, we are what we eat. Again, suggesting that she stop eating crap food is going to land you in the dog house; instead, make these changes to your own eating habits so she doesn't feel she is being picked on. Let her learn by your example. Swap the chips for a salad, the coke for water, and both your energy levels will rise as a result. More energy for life means more energy for sex.
Toxic overload. If we don't help our bodies clear out toxins, they will build up and give us zits, odors and low energy levels. Helping our bodies get rid of the toxins will make us feel better quite easily and quickly. Smoking, pollution, lack of exercise, bad diet, and being overweight all make us feel less stellar than we should, and these factors also kill our sex drives. Ways to rid our bodies of toxins are drinking plenty of water and antioxidants like green tea, as well as getting exercise.
PMS. PMS can affect her in the week or days before her period. All women have premenstrual changes, but some have what is clearly defined as a serious problem. You probably know of women who suffer from PMS: They are the women you refer to as The B*tch or Psycho. Their behavior is irrational, illogical, emotional, and fraught with tension and anxiety. One minute they may seem perfectly fine, and the next, they are raging maniacs -- crying, yelling, and irritable.
This may be a bad time for trying to have sex, and saying something like "Have you got your period?" will go down like a lead balloon. In saying this, sometimes increased premenstrual aggression means sex is especially vigorous and primal. Women are extra sensitive during this time because of high estrogen levels. The best way to deal with this is to avoid arguing back, and if you want to help fix the problem, encourage her to do some exercise and other stress-relieving activities (and yes, sex is one of these, but do try others).






3- Birth control
Oral contraceptive pill. The OCP is a small pill that controls the body's hormones artificially to prevent pregnancy. The good news: The freedom gained from the pill is an aphrodisiac; knowing she won't get pregnant is liberating and definitely encouraging for both of you. The bad news: The pill is dangerous for a woman's libido. Her hormones are levelled completely, which rules out the sexual peak at ovulation (most birth control pills force the body to skip ovulation) and just before her period. It affects the body by increasing the levels of something called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which attaches itself to testosterone in her bloodstream, rendering it useless.
The good, the bad and the ugly about birth control...
Testosterone is responsible for much of a woman's sex drive, so the loss of her already low levels is bad news. This can be a trade off, because we all love raw sex. Going off the pill may not be the best idea, so get her to ask her doctor for an alternative type of birth control.
Depo-Provera injection. This injection is a high dose of artificial progesterone. This tricks the body into thinking it is already pregnant, but progesterone inhibits the production of estrogen, which is essential for the health of her reproductive system and, therefore, essential to her sex drive. The lack of estrogen can cause a problem called atrophic vaginitis, which can make sex painful and cause serious and uncomfortable problems with the urinary tract, vagina and vulva.
This form of birth control has been linked with mental health issues, weight gain, and vaginal problems that hinder sex by making it painful and uncomfortable. Aside from those symptoms, it decreases sex drive considerably in most women, which is obviously not good for you.
Implanon implants. Similar to Depo-Provera, this implant is a slow release of progesterone that can last in the body up to three years. It is not currently available in the U.S., but there are plans for its introduction.
The good news: Her sex drive may hit the roof (or the floor), taking you with it. If it works for her, it is a good (and sex-a-plenty) alternative to the pill. The bad news: This matchstick-sized implant can wreak havoc with her body, resulting in a very high sex drive, but almost black-widow-like behavior (she'll hunt you down, screw you, then eat you alive). The side effects -- moodiness, obsessive behaviour, acne, and depression -- can be very destructive. It also causes swelling of the brain. Every woman experiences different changes in libido, both positive and negative, while using this form of birth control.

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4- Prescription drugs
Antidepressants. Some antidepressants can increase libido in women, while others reduce it significantly (such as Prozac). There are some that have had fewer reported sexual side effects, so if one antidepressant doesn't work well, there are other options. Overall, antidepressants help encourage sex because she will be feeling better about things and have more energy, but orgasm can often be delayed or not happen at all. In this case, good communication is essential because a chemistry problem can turn into a psychological problem very quickly. If you have to kiss and play around while she gets better, then so be it; pressure to have sex is also a libido killer.
Blood pressure drugs. Most blood pressure drugs kill a woman's sex drive, so other drugs may be prescribed to counter this. The doctor may try a few different types of blood pressure drugs to find one that won't affect her sex drive. The reason for the high blood pressure needs to be addressed so she can get back to full health, and easy ways to help this are encouraging exercise and good diet, and doing fun, stress-free activities.
Drugs are uncool, buddy. Here's why...
Sedatives. Medications like Xanax, Diazepam and Valium are known to lower women's sex drive and their ability to be aroused. Occasionally, this may result in an inability to reach orgasm, which can be a terrifying and stressful experience. Most sedatives do exactly that -- sedate the body and mind. Energy levels and normal brain-body functions are impaired significantly, leaving women feeling more like lobotomized zombies than sex goddesses. It is hard to help things like this, when the doctor seems to be in charge and the reasons for being on sedatives are unique. Keeping the body as toxin-free as possible is always a good idea, so exercise, water and doing fun things will help her regain her health and well-being.
Other prescription drugs. Antihistamines can affect lubrication and cause drowsiness. Antipsychotic, anti-seizure, anti-cancer, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can all affect libido in a negative way.
5- Recreational drugs Ecstasy. This drug is great for making out and her sex drive is likely to go through the roof when she's on it since her body is in the best mood ever, and everything feels great. The negative effects of ecstasy use are the after-effects of low serotonin -- depression of normal body functions while the body realigns itself chemically and physically. Ecstasy is an aphrodisiac, but regular use is bad news.
Marijuana. Smoking pot has a depressant effect on the body; therefore, this drug is a libido killer. It also dries the vagina (and mouth) up, which is not helpful. If you want to have sex, don't get her stoned.
Amphetamines (speed, crystal meth). Amphetamines are known to cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. While speeding, sex is likely to be far from her (and your) mind, but talking a lot will not be.
Opiates (heroin, cocaine). Opiates are linked with the inability to orgasm and low sexual desire. Men may find they cannot get an erection, and women can have problems with moisture. Most people who use heroin say that sex is very low on the list of important things to do. Cocaine can be good for confidence, and sometimes increase sensations, but overall, it is a slack aphrodisiac.
6- Illnesses and disorders
Thyroid. Problems with the thyroid directly affect hormones, which in turn cause chaos with a woman's sex drive. It is one of the most undiagnosed problems with low sex drive because it is not really talked about as a symptom.
Adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing some of the testosterone in women, so when this gland is not performing at its peak, the amount of testosterone (the sex hormone) is lowered. This means she'll experience less desire to have sex at any time. This gland is what maintains a woman's sex drive after menopause (when the ovaries, which are responsible for the rest of the testosterone, cease to function).
Hysterectomy. The removal of the uterus (and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries) affects women differently. In studies, half the women experienced an improvement in their sex lives, while 21% saw a decrease in desire and enjoyment. This shows that it could go either way. Depending on the circumstances of the hysterectomy, there will be many other factors influencing her sexuality and well-being. Because of the low levels of testosterone, she may end up with other problems, like thyroid deficiency, low energy levels and moodiness.
If there are problems (which is likely), getting testosterone injections, creams or pills may help. Artificial hormones cause problems of their own, but may be helpful in combating low sex drive. Boosting the adrenals will also help, as they produce testosterone too.

Long live the libido
Defining the problem is the first step in discovering why we're not getting laid as much as we should be. Whether it's an overuse of McDonald's or ecstasy, everything we put inside us affects our bodies, and therefore, our sex drives. If you can find the real problem, you can fix it.
A word of caution: Approach things you think would benefit from a change with tact and sensitivity. You don't want to be booted out onto the sidewalk with teeth marks on your neck.

Health: Risks Of Over-Masturbation

One common trait I've noticed in all the readers' questions I've received is that men are most concerned about their manhood. In addition to receiving questions like "How can I last longer?" and "Do I have erectile dysfunction?", I have also been asked this time and time again: "I like to masturbate very frequently -- is this unhealthy?"
So, in response to the latter question, I will deviate from my usual question-and-answer format this week to address your concerns on the pressing and often-overlooked topic of over-masturbation.
I know the term may be confusing for you since you're so used to being reassured that masturbation is a "normal, healthy part of life," but, as with all good things, there is such a thing as too much. Also, I don't want to present myself as anti-masturbation, because that is far from the truth. So, let's establish that over-masturbation is the term used to refer to extreme or excessive masturbation, nearing the level of compulsion.

How much masturbation is too much?
I'm not talking about men who go at it a few times a week; I'm addressing the men who admittedly pleasure themselves numerous times a day, every day.
Masturbation is as healthy and normal as you've been led to believe, but as with other behaviors, when over-practiced or done in an excessive, compulsive manner, it can lead to both psychological and physiological imbalances in your body.
It has been recommended that men try to keep their ejaculation frequency down to just a few times per week; however, those with healthy sex lives who engage in intercourse (and thus ejaculate) on almost a daily basis might argue this advice to be preposterous. Nevertheless, I'm just citing the studies.

I masturbate all the time -- what's going to happen to me?

What happens if I masturbate too frequently?
Excessive masturbation can stimulate acetylcholine/parasympathetic nervous functions. This immoderate amount of stimulation can result in an over-production of sex hormones and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine and serotonin, causing a considerable change in body chemistry.

The side effects of these changes in body chemistry can manifest themselves as:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Memory loss
• Blurred vision
• Groin/testicular pain

Because over-masturbation distresses liver and nervous system functions, it can also lead to sexual exhaustion (even in younger males). This can include the appearance of impotence or erectile dysfunction in males way before the average age of onset.
Seminal leakage, otherwise described as the emission of sperm from the penis without an erection, is another common problem associated with extreme masturbation. This is a sign that the nerve keeping the ejaculation valve shut is weakening because of excessive use and over-stimulation.
To add to the associated physical problems, in extreme cases, your compulsion with masturbation may get in the way of your work and family life the same way any other addiction (like alcohol or gambling) would.

How can I stop over-masturbating?
Obviously, the first step is to cut down on the amount of times you masturbate in a given day. However, I realize that this piece of advice is easier said than done.
If you're having trouble going at this cold turkey, you might want to try putting on a brave face and attending a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting. You'll get to meet people who have the same problem or even more complicated issues than you. You can listen to their stories and hopefully pick up a few techniques to help yourself.
If the group setting embarrasses you, try talking to a sex therapist. There's no need to be shy; they deal with issues like this all the time and it's the surest way to help your body and mind recuperate.

While the old wives' tale about getting hairy palms if you masturbate may not be true, there are still serious health consequences to masturbating excessively. Don't fret about your occasional one-man romp; start to worry if it becomes an obsessive part of your life.

Life: Real Men Keep Their Word

A man, without his word, is nothing. You've no doubt heard this expression in a variety of ways and permutations (that's the word of the day boys, look it up), but you probably never gave it any thought. Well you should if you give a damn about being anything in this life.
Keeping your word in my world is a given (unless you want to be sleeping with the fishes). We quickly learn not to say we will deliver on something we know we can't, whether it's promising to pay someone back, keeping a secret secret , or saying we'll do a favor we won't follow through on.
But this isn't unique to my world. In the business world and in your personal life, the same rules apply. In the corporate world, you should never be in a situation where you've let someone down because you should never promise anything in the first place. It's a business, not a freaking charity.

Don't mince words
If you are like me, you hate those cafones who wiggle around a question that puts them on the spot. Let's call them wigglers. You know the type of guy I'm talking about: you ask him something and he'll say, "I don't know, maybe, I'll find out, we'll see." The only thing this guy is going to see is my fist. It's either yes or no.
The same principle follows when you make a promise. When you say, "I promise" or "you have my word," it's a done deal. Period. You do as promised. That's it, that's all.
Only a stupid man would give his word or promise something he knows he can't deliver. The dumb wiggler who puts himself in this situation eventually has to lie and BS his way out of his promise to save face, but it's too late. In the eyes of the person he let down, his word means nothing now. It's like respect and trust; it takes a lifetime to get and it takes only one stupid move to lose it.

Story time
There was this clown in my neighborhood, Antoni, who thought he was a hotshot because he had a couple of scores that netted him some good cash. He had no talent though, just luck.
So he comes to see me one day, and says this and that, throws out these huge numbers on how he can make my business more profitable because he has so and so connections. I listen and tell him to get the ball rolling. Beyond that, I don't waste a blink thinking about what he promised. It's up to Johnny Lucky over here to prove he can deliver. So months go by and this finocchio never speaks to me again. His luck had run out and all his connections "fell" into the East River. Not that I'm waiting for his call anyway, but he can't even face me to tell me that he was all talk, and no action. He may have had good intentions, but he got ahead of himself, and in the end he lost my respect. His word is useless to me now. A year later, this babbo has the testicoli to come see me again wanting to do business with me, promising I'd be making a lot of money with him. Right. Needless to say, I made sure he'd think twice before coming to see me ever again.

Antoni made three mistakes...

His mistakes
So what was Antoni's downfall in his relationship with me? Three mistakes. First, he got ahead of himself and started saying things he shouldn't have. Second, he showed me no respect by not apologizing to me, and acting a year later like I had the memory of my nonna Maria. Third, he promised me he would make me money and he didn't deliver. He shouldn't have said anything to me. He should have acted on his own, gotten some kind of solid confirmation of this new "business venture," and then approached me. That way, he wouldn't have disappointed me. This is something most of you do, day in, day out. You promise things you can't follow through on. You throw around "I give you my word" like it was a cheap whore. Learn from Antoni; keep your mouth shut unless you know your promise is solid.

Your word is gold
Here are a few more tips to remember:

Give your word when you mean it
Like I said before, when you promise something, the other person must assume it's a done deal. Your word should be like currency. It's money in the bank for someone who is counting on it. That being said, you shouldn't dole it out over everything and anything, or it will lose its value. Because your word is like currency, you must give it only when the occasion is important enough to call for it. The person you are promising something to must be able to recognize that your promise has value . You don't give money out to every Tony, Dino and Nick do you? Why do the same with your word?

Admit when you can't do it
When you are faced with a situation where you are asked for something (whether it's a favor, a contact, doing some job), and you know you can't deliver, admit it. Tell them you don't believe in false promises. It's simple. Don't wiggle or skirt the issue. If, in the end, you can make good on whatever was asked of you, it will only make you look better in the eyes of the other person.

Fulfill your promise 100%
The first time you are asked for an important favor in which you must give your word, make sure you give it your 100% effort. First impressions count. I learn a lot from a man after I ask him for a favor. If he keeps his promise fully and completely without any hint of an excuse or hesitation, he has gained my respect. He set the tone properly from day one. So make sure you have the story straight on that first favor. You don't want to be calling back whoever you've made a promise to with questions two days later.

Never go back on your word
Even if you've been screwed over more times than a one-legged prostitute, you should never back down from your word. I don't care if you don't trust your own shadow. If you are in a situation where you have promised something, you do it. Period.

If you ask, assume it's done
Don't go busting chops on someone who promised you something either. Unless you have reason to doubt the person, when a person gives you his word, assume it's a done deal. If it isn't, you deal with it later. Hopefully, you have some background on this guy. You should know better than to ask a favor from a guy who is shadier than an oak tree.

A promise is a promise
There is no such thing as different degrees of promise. Either you do or you don't. This counts for the little things too. Either you are going to your friend's baby's baptism or you are not. You are either going to be there at 10pm or you are not. Either you are going to give a guy a promotion or you are not. Capisce ?

Keep your rep intact
Keeping your word can save your reputation and even your life. If you are the type of guy whose word is truly golden, your reputation will reflect that. People will come to respect and trust you. There may be a day where you have to call up that ace. The day you owe someone money, or you screwed up, you might have to call upon your golden word to "promise to fix the problem." If your word has the value of used tissue, you are a dead man. If your word is respected, you might be allowed to fix whatever mess you've gotten yourself into. It's especially in situations like these that you should never break your promise.

Just remember who tends to break the most promises: politicians. What does that tell you? That's enough for today.

Gambling: Play Poker & Win

Whether you are a poker afficionado, or you just like taking money from your in-laws when they visit during the holidays, we all like to win when playing poker. In order to make sure you leave with a fatter wallet, understanding the tricks of the trade are compulsory.

Before the game
When you have an important meeting with the big boss, it's always a good idea to prepare yourself before you get there. If this habit leaks into your poker playing, then you're on your way to winning. Get psyched up.
Luck does not exist. The more you concentrate on being lucky or unlucky, wishing for luck, or cursing bad luck, the more mental energy is exasperated away from the game, putting you in a mental hole. (this tip is useful throughout the game, not just before you sit down.)

Getting started
If your goal is to win, then you're in for the long haul. When you just join a game, your cards don't matter. Take the long view, and get a line on your opponents. To really win you need information, so fold as often as need be in the beginning to read your opponents. Look for betting tendencies, composure and habits to get a feel for whom you're playing against. Use their vices to your advantage and crack the game wide open.
Getting a feel for your opponent involves studying where their awareness lies. If they never believe that someone is bluffing, then they probably don't do a lot of it themselves. Also, what your opponent believes you are going to do is probably the same thing he would in your situation, so take note of that.

Not going anywhere
Control is an asset all good players have. They can play as long as they like without going broke. Practice patience very early in the game so that you play longer than it takes for you to down the drink by your side.
Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to playing poker. When you join a game, you are faced with eight potentially new opponents; they have only one. So when you dive in head first and attempt to guess the playing habits of all eight, you probably won't come up for air. You have to realize that they have only one newcomer to worry about. Be observant, absorb and learn. You can pick up on some of your opponents' tendencies by throwing away a few hands. Remember, you want to win, not win fast.

Mixing it up
Your opponents can't figure out your strategy if you don't have one. Mix things up a little. Don't always use the same game plan, especially if you play home games with the same players. If your opponents think you are clueless, they get reckless.

The chips are down, and with these tips, you're sure to win...

Decisions, decisions
Every hand is a new hand, which means every decision should be a new one too. Don't become a creature of habit. Base all betting and card actions on the facts at hand. Concentrating on the present will counter falling victim to repetition.

Look at me
Be "Da Man": If you're active, energetic and animated, then you become the center of attention. The more people pay attention to you, the less time they put into their game, and that is when mistakes are made. If someone else happens to be making all the noise, don't fall for it. Sit back and wait until you can use it against him, and quiet the noise.
Always be polite to he who makes a stupid move. If someone is lucky enough to beat you when he makes a mistake, be polite and encourage his play. This will make him feel like he knew what he was doing and in turn, it's likely that he'll to do it again.

Your own worst enemy
Don't feel embarrassed or shy to slide back a limit, or return to your favorite game if you know you can win. When things aren't going your way, take control. After all, it is your money, win or lose. Seek those games that can make you some money and build up your strength and confidence.

When you got it, you got it
Don't get too greedy. When you have a monster hand, play it. Don't wait to try and increase the pot, and give the opportunity for a weaker hand to catch up. Inversely, don't convince yourself that you're invincible and bluff with a fairly weak hand. Certainty is the key, so bet it when you got it.
Practice makes perfect
I know I sound like your father when you were learning how to ride a bike, but if you want to master these tricks, you must practice. Whether you force your wife into a game after the dishes are done, or play some video poker on the Net, just practice. Use the video machines, the Internet, or poker software to improve your game. The more looks you have, the more experience you get in dealing with them.

There is something you should remember when playing poker. Whether for money or sport, poker should be fun, and there is a hell of a lot more fun in winning! Nobody likes to lose, and now you've been pointed in the right direction.