I started playing nickel, dime, quarter games with my dad and uncles when I was 10 years old while fishing and deer hunting. That was 46 years ago. I first played in a Casino when I was 18 years old and had a fake ID. I played at the old Sahara in Lake Tahoe and the game was 6 card stud, which isn't played anymore. Holdem barely existed back then, in the early 70's, except in Las Vegas. I played professionally, meaning that's how I made a living in the late 80's in the Seattle and started playing online about 13 years ago. I only play seriously in live situations and play online just to waste time. Poker is a great game and can be a lot of fun, win or lose, but I really don't like playing online. Too many internet assholes who have no respect for the game, and RNG's are just like playing slot machines. Nothing beats real people, face to face, with real poker dealers. That is the best way to play the game.