Hello to All Steemians

Source: Hans on Pixabay

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This is my first post on Steemit. I'm a newly minted member of the community—a mere twenty-four hours old. I guess I should begin by explaining what I'd like to get out of Steemit, and what I hope to contribute. I joined when I learned Steemit has an active poker community. Most of my posts on this platform will probably be about poker, pool, or just about any kind of sports. I'm interested in a lot more than that, but these are the activities to which I devote most of my recreational time.

Years ago I toyed with the idea of becoming a professional poker player. It was a lifestyle that appealed to me and I seemed to have a modest talent for the game. Then I got married and started a family, so poker became a recreational pursuit.

I never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional pool player, but I was an avid player. I used to go to the tournaments sponsored by Camel years ago, and for years I never missed Barry Berman's US Open event in Virginia. Berman did know how to run an event. Some of those, with legends of pool, were really memorable.

As for other sports, I can legitimately be called a baseball fanatic. Every year, opening day for me signals the start of summer—I don't care what the calendar says. I've suffered through the trials of my home team, the Mets and I've celebrated their triumphs. This year, there's a lot of pain.

To go back to Poker, I guess what I love about the game is that it rewards raw talent. It doesn't matter where you come from or who you know, once you sit down at the table it's your wits and luck that determine the outcome. I've watched some of the greats play live games, and I've watched the online games that feature new stars of poker. No matter who's playing or where they play, the dynamic doesn't change—although it certainly does help to have resources to back you when you sit at the table.

I've got opinions about politics and a lot of other things, but I think I'll leave that to others on Steemit. I'll stick to my comfort zone—pool, poker and sports. Maybe, as time goes by, I'll venture into other areas, but for now I think I'll just read what others have to say about those subjects, and support them when I appreciate their content.

That's it. That's what I hope to get and to give on Steemit. So...deal me in.