Guest Blogger

The New Year is upon us and it’s time for resolutions. The recent explosion of new blogs and columns is ample evidence that a January shot of adrenaline has put some prolific pens in the hands of the writers here at Wise Hand.

My resolution lies in the title of this blog, and I will strive to become a better writer in 2007. This will be a top-to-bottom plan of attack from vocabulary and grammar to research and interviews. I know this will pay dividends to you the reader.

In his memoir, "On Writing," Stephen King has this advice to offer aspiring writers. “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut. ” This simple advice is great because it cuts right to the heart of the matter.

There is a conversation I always recall when I think about this advice. I was back at home for Christmas one year and attending your standard holiday reunion party with friends. I was chatting with a girl when this conversation took place. Here is my best recollection:

“How’s (Fresno) State treating you? What are you majoring in?” I asked.

“Pretty good, I’m majoring in English and want to become a writer.” She replied.

‘That’s cool, what do you want to write about, what do you want to do after school.” I asked.

“I just want to be really artistic, you know, like, write the great American novel.” She said.

“That’s a lofty goal. What books have you read recently? Which authors do you admire?” I asked.

“I don’t really like to read.” She said.

That is where I checked out of the conversation and quickly excused myself to go to the restroom. I don’t like to read, COME ON. You have undoubtedly run into this adorable character in your card playing experiences. They usually take the form of someone who tells a bad beat story where they clearly make mistakes in their own play on the hand.

My resolution can be easily applied to your poker play as ‘Play a lot and read a lot.’ There really are no secrets to improving your game, you have to put in the hours at the table to develop your strategy, and then learn from your mistakes when things don’t work out. It also wouldn’t hurt to pick up a copy of "Super/System," "The Theory of Poker" or "Championship No-Limit & Pot-Limit Hold’em" while you’re at it to round out your game. It takes hard work to reach that next level in your game or that next limit with your bankroll. You have to build your knowledge brick by brick in every endeavor, taking shortcuts will only lead to weaknesses that will eventually be exposed. I know I will remember that while I pursue my endeavor. Every book I pick up will have lessons to teach either from the brilliant example it sets or the mistakes it makes blatantly apparent. Every hand you play will have lessons and mistakes for you to learn from at the poker table as well.

Ryan “Force” Lucchesi
force@wisehandpoker.com