Experienced Players See Green on Online Poker Sites

CHICAGO, Illinois – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "Nate Silver quit his $55,000-a-year financial consulting job in April to play poker.

"So far it's been a wise career move: The 26-year-old Silver expects to make more than $100,000 this year playing the game, mainly on the Internet.

"Silver belongs to a new generation of poker players who feast on the growing number of novices taking up poker after watching televised contests.

"While few players go to the extreme of quitting their jobs, many spend their evenings stalking sites such as Party Poker.com and PokerStars.com, pocketing an extra $20,000 or $30,000 annually on top of their regular salaries.

"And as more novices keep appearing, opportunity grows for experienced players.

"…In January 2003, $11.1 million was wagered on the major poker sites. That number rocketed to $136.1 million in September, according to Poker Pulse.com, which tracks activity on 21 of the largest poker sites.

"…Still, the easy money could quickly disappear if the poker fad fades.

"…Internet poker offers experienced players some advantages, particularly the ability to play at multiple tables at the same time. Online games generally go faster than casino games, and by playing three or four tables simultaneously, players can easily participate in more than 200 hands an hour.

"The main disadvantage of Internet play for poker pros is the inability to 'read' competitors - noticing small ticks and other mannerisms that can reveal if somebody is holding a strong hand or bluffing.

"…To prosper at Internet poker, players must be technically strong and quickly assess the thousands of scenarios that arise - betting aggressively on strong hands and folding when they're in a weak position…"