I have been in the gaming industry for over 26 years working in both Surveillance and Table Games, though not in Poker. Currently I am a Pit Manager in a midwest casino. My poker experience began in the U.S. Navy playing in 'friendly' dealer's choice games (as if there is such a thing as a friendly game of Guts). Since then I have become an above average but not great [personal opinion] low- and mid-limit Texas Holdem poker player playing in casinos in Las Vegas, the midwest, and online.

Playing Texas Holdem in an Online Poker Tournament is relatively new for me yet I'm having fun learning the ropes at small buy-in games. My best finish so far was 3rd place in a two-table Sit-n-Go Online Poker Tournament at Full Tilt Poker. It is this experience and some lessons I learned that I want to relate to you now.

This particular tournament was my fourth one for this online poker tournament session. Between my previous buy-ins and cash game play I was stuck for the day. Finishing in the money for this tournament, which would be the final three players, would get me at least even for the day. As luck would have it I made it to the final four players as the chip leader - go figure! Now this is not a true bad beat story; I did make the final three but I believe it was my "play to get even for the day" mindset that cost me the tournament and first place money.

I was the big blind with A-8 suited hearts. Player number two made a large raise. The button folded and the small blind went all-in with an over-the-top raise. As I knew someone was about to be knocked out and I'd be in the money I folded. It was probably the right move despite my mindset, and I actually did have the worst starting hand as they showed A-K and A-Q respectively. Of course an eight hit both the flop and the river. I would have knocked out both and been heads up with about 95% of the chips. As it was I finished third.

So what lessons did I learn?

1.Play to win! Do not play to place or show.

2. For a lifetime limit Texas Holdem player, no-limit Texas Holdem poker is a world unto itself.

3. Fortunately I do not have to reinvent the wheel to learn what I need to know to compete in any Online Poker Tournament. I just have to keep investing some time and money to learn from professional players who are willing to share their Sit-n-Go knowledge and/or their general tournament knowledge for a price.