Bio

I, like many other guys my age, became fascinated with poker in 2003 when I watched Chris Moneymaker win the WSOP Main Event. Despite having watched “Rounders” several times in the past, I had no Idea at that time how Poker was supposed to be played. I spent the next year reading any book I could find on Poker Theory and soon found myself gaining a new appreciation for the action I saw on TV.

Not only did I have a new perspective on the game but I also felt confident enough in my abilities to sit down in both brick and mortar casinos and in virtual online card rooms. While I have been a very consistent winner over the past three years; my work and school obligations have prevented me from taking my game to the next level. I still try to make it out to Atlantic City or Vegas whenever time permits, and hope to play some of next year’s WSOP events. I play in several weekly home games, local charity events, and until recent government regulations were enacted, I was a prop player on the now defunct Jetsetpoker. Until I get the chance to focus solely on playing poker, I’ll have to be content with excitement that comes from writing about it.

Career

I have held virtually every type of entry level job imaginable over the past 10 years. I’ve cleaned kitchens, collected bets at a bingo hall, sold cars, worked as mall security, and walked door to door giving out coupons. I’ve also been a telemarketer, a collections agent, a customer service rep, a sales supervisor, a professional trainer, technical writer, and now a part time poker writer. Out of all of these jobs, writing for WiseHandPoker.com and my various personal websites has been the most rewarding.

Interests and Hobbies

It may be an obvious statement, but poker is one of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy reading and writing, but not so much that it would cause me to miss a 49ers game or an episode of 24. I don’t think it would be accurate to say that I “enjoy” web design, although it is something I do on a fairly regular basis.

Writing

The majority of my writing is split between work and school. My 9-5 (well usually 7:30 to 6:00) job requires me to write and program form letters that go out to millions of my company’s customers. My current college of choice is Duquesne University where I am working towards a Masters in Computer Technologies. WiseHandPoker.com is the home of all of my poker writing which includes strategy articles, blog entries, and player bios. I also have a myspace account (www.myspace.com/biglazyjohnson) where I do all of my non poker blogging.

Wise Hand Poker Articles

• Tells For Beginners Part I - Recognizing Betting Patterns
• Tells For Beginners Part II - Appearance and Personality
• Tells For Beginners Part III - Slight of Hand
• Mike's blog