[Nottom]

Here's my answers:

1) Yes, they earn a living playing poker so are therefore professionals.

2) Hard to say, except that there are probably many more people who claim to be than actually are.

3) Most make their money in ring games although there are certainly a group of tourney pros as well.

4) Vegas I'm sure has a higher per capita level of pros but anywhere there are good poker games there will be someone there trying to make a living at it. There are certainly plenty in California and the NorthEast as well.

5) To really make a decent living I think 15/30 or 20/40 is the minimum unless the games are very good.

6) Not many. Some will do well for a while, maybe even for a couple years but eventually most will fail.

7) Sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a pro.

*** Note: all answers expressed in this e-mail are from a person who is not, and has no intentions of becoming a professional ... although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.