I started a lot like you did... just seeing it on TV and really wanting to play for the amusement factor. It wasn't so amusing when I got my hindquarters handed to me on a platter a few times.

A few too many people, myself included at one time, saw this game as more luck than skill. That's a deadly attitude.

But I started looking for more information. The fact that there were pros made it obvious to me there was a better way to play. Getting lucky won't sustain a career.

You've really got to study the game if you want to be successful at it. Books, Televised poker, and this web site are really the best resources you can have access to.