natural skill, hard work and Fossilman

[R_Ellender]

I think natural ability may play a role in becoming "good" or "better than average" a little more quickly, but no one sits down at a poker table for the first few times and becomes an expert.

I think I had a knack for poker when it came to the psychology of the game, but I played it just like I played any other game, whether its a board game or basketball... look for my opponents weaknesses and tendencies. However, without the study and experience that I've acquired, I'd probably be a break even player at best, and most likely a losing player.