Usually when you see the first one of what I hope to be many opinion columns, the author tells you who he is, and why you should be reading his missives. This will be no different, and a little about who I am, is clearly in order.

You may know my name, although, I don't use it at the poker table if I don't have to. I've found that I have a natural talent for No Limit Hold'em Tournaments, although, I don't believe that will be my specific focus here. At one point in my life, I billed myself as an actor, magician, DJ, stand-up comedian, writer, director, and producer. That's seven different occupations, basically one for each day of the week. Before that, I was a computer programmer at Hughes Aircraft, which has since become Raytheon. Since that time, I've done computer sales, as well as Macintosh Tech work. Not to mention being a member in good standing of the San Diego Comic Book Convention committee, and holding various jobs for them throughout the years. At one point I was designated all around neat guy. By myself, of course. A title I felt I deserved, and no one was going to give it to me. Currently, I'm a filmmaker, raising money to make my first three films. I own my own production company, and I have a distribution deal with a major distributor. I'm in the Internet Movie Database at imdb.com, as Mike Shields II. There are apparently five of us there, and another 26 with listings online. A Yahoo search on my name won't turn up anything I've done until about #40. I'm hoping this column will change that, as right now, not too many people know that I'm famous. I'm married, with two kids, Amanda ten, and Scott, eight. I've already corrupted them, as they got me a hand held Texas Hold'em game, and a chip set for Christmas. Now, we don't have to use cookies, marshmallows, and chips of the chocolate variety as chips.

By now I hope you've figured out why I'm here, however, if you haven't, here's why: I've discovered that all of the above talents, as well as my natural ability, and my upbringing by a father that taught me to count with dice and cards, as well as a mother that taught drama at a local high school, lead me to a natural proclivity to poker. Specifically, No Limit Texas Hold'em Tournaments.

I live within fifteen minutes of no less than three casinos, or should I say card rooms, in the greater Los Angeles area. Another fifteen minutes beyond those, brings me to three more. If I were willing to travel as much as two hours to play, and I am, I could go to any of the several Indian casinos in Southern California . On average, I play in one tournament a week. I haven't won any yet, however, I've improved my position every time I've played, and so, it's only a matter of time. I've discovered some interesting things along the way, most of which I'll talk about here in the coming weeks. They say that Texas Hold'em takes a minute to learn, and a lifetime to master. Personally, I don't have that kind of time, and I'm guessing neither do you.

Of course, most of my experience that allows me to play expert poker, comes not from sitting at the table itself, but from living life, and observing those around me. I've come to the conclusion that in life, you're either playing chess or poker. I play poker. The dictionary wrongly defines poker as: " A game at cards derived from brag, and first played about 1835 in the Southwestern United States ". I was once advised that's life's a game, and to play the game. Poker is the game I choose to play. In life as in poker, you deal with limited information all the time. The term we used at Hughes was "Need To Know." If you didn't have it, you didn't get the information. Most all decisions you come across in your daily living can be narrowed down to Call, Raise, or Fold. Sound Familiar? If someone offers you a yes or no choice, and you don't like either, there's usually a third option that hasn't been explored. Just as if someone asks you, "Have you stopped beating your wife?" Most can see here that either a yes or no answer is wrong, however, the third choice is to respond, "I've never beaten my wife." So, I define poker as a game of choices, one which doesn't necessarily take cards to play.

Why should you listen to anything I have to say? Well, maybe you shouldn't. After all, poker at its base, is a game of lying, and withholding information. I may be doing that right now. I may teach you everything you know, but it won't necessarily be everything I know. I am comfortable lying, which is why I believe I'm successful at the poker table. Everything I say is a lie. I'm sure you're familiar with that paradox. It's how Kirk made an android explode in an episode of Star Trek once. The main difference though, is that in poker you get paid for it. Just like acting, and magic. Well, I do, I don't know if you have.

If you've read this far, and I hope you have, you might still be wondering what makes my column different from all of the other sixteen million web pages with the word poker in them. Well, for one, I'm probably not going to tell you when to play two seven off suit, as you probably already know that. Will you find specific hand analysis from my recent tournaments? No, as the way I play a hand, should not necessarily be the way that you play it. And I wouldn't want you to use my own analysis against me, if we should happen to meet in a tourney. Which is why I haven't supplied a photo to go with my column. What I can guarantee you is this: My unique observations on life, and how they apply to your game. What qualifies me to do this? I play poker.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach .

E You next week.

Disclaimer: Mike's views probably don't reflect anyone else's that you know, and sometimes, not even necessarily his own. If you have an opposing view, or would like Mike's take on your favorite not necessarily related to poker topic, please send your comments & questions to Mike . If you'd like to discuss this article or poker in general, feel free to join in the discussions at the All-in Lounge .