Are you verified?

In today's world of online poker getting your money online can be hard, but getting it into your pocket can be even more difficult. One quick and easy thing you can do to help get your money faster is to get your personal information verified ahead of time. Each poker room might have different requirements. To get my travel expenses from Cake Poker I had to send a scan of my ID and the card used to deposit. Full Tilt wanted an ID and recent utility scan. Each time I have needed to make my first withdrawal on a site, not being verified ahead of time has slowed an already slow process down even more.

Cashout options are constantly in flux, make sure to check the cashier for new methods. Or as the case has been lately, if any have been removed

The next time I join a new poker room, getting verified and preapproved for cashout will be on my to-do list before I play my first tourney.

Also on related thought. Starting with your first deposit,going into your sessions with a positive attitude is never a bad thing. Poker may be a long term proposition, but being ready to take advantage of your big score as soon as possible can't hurt.

Going to Niagara Falls!

This Texan is headed to Niagara Falls to play in the North American Players Championship. The event will be held at the Fallsview Casino starting October 10-16. My wife and I will be taking our first real vacation in 10 years, not counting Thanksgiving in Arkansas every year. Having this opportunity is amazing, making the last three years of poker blood sweat and tears seem worth it. We will have two days to take in all the Falls have to offer, then its off to the poker room for me.

The tourney has a great structure, 20k in starting chips and 90 minute blinds. I should be able to play my best poker, unrushed by impatient internet kids and life tilt inducing internet disconnects. Last year's field was just over 505 entrants and offered over $1.4 million to first place. After qualifying through a $7 rebuy super satellite and a $200 qualifier, the chance to bring home any money is mind blowing. Worst case is that I take a free vacation to Niagara Falls with my wife for 7 days and play in a $10,000 buy in World Poker Tour event. Hmmm not too shabby.

Hello

Welcome to my blog. I hope to use this space to share my growth and evolution in life and poker.