By: Jacob Alexander It�s all about getting the competitive edge and using your ego to intimidate others at the table. Knowing your competition and not forgetting what this game is all about, fun. I started playing poker when I was 16. The local dive bar, Boonie�s would have billiards and poker tournaments on Saturday nights. All the regulars knew who I was and how young I was. No one really bothered me, they saw me like any other poker player in that bar. I was more money in the pot and less experienced, so they welcomed me with open arms. It was just an average Saturday night, so I decided to head down to Boonie�s on my bike. Keep in mind, the ride to the bar was 6 miles and I did not have a car. I really didn�t mind the ride, I had a growing passion for poker and all I wanted to do was play. I loved winning and was getting used to performing better. I was making quite a positive name for myself. All the guys at the bar respected me, despite my youthfulness. As I walked into the bar, with my $10 of lunch money I had saved all week I noticed immediately this was going to be a different kind of night. Sitting in my normal spot at one of the poker tables was a gigantic, old, biker guy. I was rather intimidated at first, I swear this man looked just like one of those Hell�s Angels gangsters. I didn�t want to bother him for my �lucky seat�, so I sat down at another tournament table. After a few hands and winning $20, I saw there was an empty seat at my regular table. At first, I was a little reluctant. The big biker dude was intimidating the entire table, making everyone fold and winning with weak cards. It was almost as if he was cheating. That night, I learned a lot about the social aspects and me a man who emphasized the poker lifestyle. The big bikers name was Joe and he taught me more about poker in a few rounds than I have learned in my entire career. After Joe wiped out every single pocket in the bar, he took a few moments to give me some tips on his poker strategy. He told me to not let other players psyche me out with their constant bullying and intimidation tactics. He said don�t get too emotionally involved in the game, don�t let my emotions show. Joe told me to stay positive even if my chips are low, you never know where your next big break is going to come from. The last tip he gave me was to always stay focused and to not get distracted from the game. I was so surprised that this mean looking man wanted to take me under his wings and teach me how to win! I left Boonie�s that night without any wins, but the knowledge I had gained was priceless. As I got older, I always remembered the invaluable advice Joe had given to me. I kept practicing my poker face, I won some and lost some. I soon got tired of the local casino poker scene. I was looking for a new way to poker and play against challenging competition, I was looking for another Joe. Knowing the chances of me finding another player like Joe, I decided to check out the internet poker rooms every one had been raging about. After playing a few rounds, I wasn�t feeling very comfortable. The game play was slow and not very convenient. As I was about to exit the internet poker room, I saw an advertisement banner for mobile poker. How perfect this is, I thought to myself. I didn�t like being chained to my computer, I wanted the freedom to play poker when and wherever I wanted. So, I download the mobile poker program and surprised how much fun it really was. There were so many different kinds of game play, the mobile poker program offered Texas hold �em, 7 card stud and so much more. I was in poker heaven! The competition was fierce and I enjoyed the challenge. I was able to practice in the free play mode, until I felt comfortable with the gaming format. The mobile gambling format was quick and easy to master. Soon I was gambling for real cash and the excitement of poker returned. I could play anywhere, home, while doing laundry and win real cash! If only Joe could see me now!