We must ask ourselves, are you a poker fish or shark, when money is on the line. Poker is a game of quiet intensity and playing it with fierce determination is the only way to win consistently. Bleeding in the water will only get you eaten by the big whoppers.

Being lucky at cards is a good thing, but skill is what makes a real mark at the table. The cards will either be there or not, but knowing how to play what you are dealt is the deciding factor in the dog eat dog world of competitive poker. Knowing when to raise and bluff will separate you from the pack. Reading the faces staring back at you and moving in for the kill takes timing and confidence.

A real card shark needs to be like ice, frozen in appearance and willing to wait for the right moment to act. The little guppies will jump and splash in the pool, trying to make an impression. A real predator can be like a statue, waiting for the moments that change the outlook of game and giving the big pots to the fiercest beast in the ocean.

Knowing the difference between a big shot and a small fry just takes a little awareness. When you find the top players in your area it is good to take up the challenge to help raise your game. Of course the truest way to step it up a notch is to continually challenge the best at the game. Consider it practice for profit. Getting good always takes a little work, in this case the work is a beautiful game of skill and chance.

At any level of play instincts are the key to making shark like moves despite experience. Easier said than done in most cases. Trusting a gut feeling may seem like a chance, but it is that kind of move that keeps the other players off balance. Sharks instill fear in their prey.

The waters can appear calm at any moment in a big round of cards. Players will show no fear or hesitation if they know that they can hold themselves in there with anyone. It pays to know what your skill level has become. Diving into the game with blinders on will get you eaten up in seconds. Broke and beaten, and with nothing to show for it. Be prepared and play with confidence.

Having gained the knowledge that comes with a little study, and a lot of time with cards in your hands, will prove the best test of where you fit in. Once this is known, it is just a matter of putting in enough hands to reach the top. Winning can mean making a ton of money, but it doesn\’t come easy. Taking a few knocks will give anyone the experience to rise above and eat up the competition.