I am an Intermediate Recreational Student of the Game and poker Enthusiast.  I currently am a key contributer to the disscusions at http://www.drcheckraise.com/ 

I am mostly a live player, have just spent a year practising hard online at SpadeClub.  Through their community and the discussions I had with a poker mentor (Kenny Goldstein), I picked up a blogging habit as addictive as the game itself.  So why read my blog?

Some of my blogs are on the lighter side and poke fun at the frustrating sides of learning the game,while being employed fulltime and trying to be a responsible father, husband and player.

Some deal with the typical leaks I discover in my game.  I am constantly hashing out my play with more than a few established and profesional players.  Many Beginer and Intermediate players have complimented my approach to getting these thoughts in print and I always make sure to credit those who shape the ideas and approachs I use.

SpadeClub, a Cardplayer company, has used my \”Tips and Tales\” twice now in their newsletter, which is sent out to 50k users.  I will be honest….my topics are hit and miss, but some players (mostly beginer to intermediate) have found some value in them.  I am also trying hard to improve my writing while improving my game.  I have had the honour of conducting a few poker clinics at drcheckraise.com, again at a beginner to intermediate subject level.

How good of a player am I?  I have a long ways to go…but don\’t we all, LOL?  I currently stick to $60 freezouts and play up to a $250 buy in limit.  Ring games, I play 4/8 Limit, 5/10 Omaha 8 Limit or 1/3 NL.  I have managed to keep in the black for the last few years, this being my 3rd year of play.  Online I play micro buyin games and was ranked 247 for 2008 at SpadeClub. 

My ROI numbers are steadly increasing, but not without falling on my face a few times in my quest for glory. As my blogs will illustrate, I am your typical recreational player.  I have no heartbreaking stories and no pictures on magazine covers either.  I play alot of homegames and sats for bigger events.  I have won and finaled more than a few low limit MTT, but like many others…it is time to try to step it up another notch.  Slowly and steadily.

I won\’t bore you with my blogs that flopped, I only plan to import the ones that readers told me they got something from.

Since I can\’t Copy and Paste, here are a few:

www.spadeclub.com/profile/jontm/blog/7472   Take the IRS (e) Test!

www.drcheckraise.com/phorum/read.php?35,2396   My new Game as Taught by You

Now, this intro has been about me but I enjoy reading these blogs as much as writing them.  That said I look forward to blogging with you all soon!

Jon \”jontm\”