I started an operation thread. I used to lose at poker. I don't any more. I used to suck at poker. I still do, but not nearly as bad. If you're a brand new player or a player who has been losing and wants to turn it around, FTR is for you. It helped me tons.

I like the term "new winner" instead of noobie or beginner. It doesn't matter where we've been, how much we've lost, how bad we suck. Today is a new day. Get into the forums and read the great threads, post some HH's, get advice. Start winning now. It's funny that I can barely remember my year of losing poker. But I remember every phase of my winning poker career in perfect detail. Rebirth. Redemption. You can be a winning player starting today. I know. I was a loser/noobie/dumbass for months. And now I'm not. Well, I'm not a loser any more.

The #1 purpose of my operation thread is to write stuff that beginners and new winners will find inspirational. We all need encouragement. The FTR guys encouraged me when I was struggling. I want to pay it forward and write helpful and upbeat stuff for my fellow micro-noobies. I also have a great poker links section (partially completed) and will be updating you as I take my shot at NL25 and higher stakes.

I intend to write one "inspirational article" each week, and post it over the weekend. I don't claim to be a poker expert. I'm not. And the advice is nothing new or groundbreaking, it's just a compilation of the best advice I've received on FTR and elsewhere. I just want them to be fun to read and get you fired up about playing winning poker.

Here's an example from my first "article." I doubt the FTR icons will get much from them, but as long as a one or two new winners out there do, I'll be thrilled. Writing helps me think better about poker.

Quote Originally Posted by Robb
Fight Club

Poker is a ruthless, bare-knuckle brawl. Brutal. Iron hard, ice cold. A street fight where anything goes. A UFC scrap with choke holds and kicks to the nuts. Poker can beat the crap out of you, even when you're playing well.

When I sit down at the table, I know I'm facing opponents who want to grab me by the throat and bash my head against the wall. They want to knock me on my ass and take all my chips - twice. Poker is a vicious and Darwinian battlefield. Only the strong survive.

I love this game...
I hope you enjoy the read. And I promise I'll quit the advertising campaign after this. Here's my operation/blog if you missed the link above:

Operation Winning is a Habit

And for any "new winner" that's worried about posting in the forums, please pm me. I'd be glad to try to help if I could.