[ohnonotthat]

Taking risks is fine, and yes - most poker players (see: gamblers) do enjoy taking risks. Be assured I am no exception.

Still, there is a difference between tempting fate and p-ssing in fate's face.

I have made three major moves since I learned the game.

1. Playing (and winning) at live micro limits for recreation (25/50, 50/1, 1/2) to playing (and winning)live "real games - also for recreation (2/4, 3/6 and 1-5 stud).

2. From these to (P and W) at "middle" limits live (up to 15-30, or 20-40) while simultaneously (P and W) small online (this was just as online poker was beginning, '99 - '00).

3. From these to (P and W) at the highest middle limit games that were commonly spread live (30-60 in the east, 40-80 elsewhere) while simultaneously playing 10-20, 15-30 online.

I have no ambition nor any "need" to play higher than this. I have no kids to support, my fiance makes a very good living, and I have little or no ego to feed.

Those are my reasons; I too am interested in hearing what others have to say.