Dictionary.com describes strategy - strat•e•gy - as a plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal.

Having a strategy going into a game is as important as the strategy and goals you have set for your life. To be taken seriously in Poker as in life, you must appear to be in control and seem like you know what you're doing.

The following are a few suggestions to get you started.

1.) When you have garbage in your hand, fold faster than Superman on laundry day.

2.) Don't pretend that your some big time poker player unless you have the bankroll to back it up. The experts agree that you should start with at least 50 times the table limit.

3.) When the time arrives that you're holding the unbeatable hand – remember Nicholas Cage in Honeymoon in Vegas – make sure you make the players pay dearly to see it.

4.) The first 5/7 cards you receive will be the foundation of your hand. Build your strategy around these. You're not likely to better your opening hand. I believe that the odds of improving your hand on the draw are about even.

5.) You'll soon discover whom the strong players are at the table. As tempting as it is, try to resist the temptation of trying to beat them at risk of losing sight of the other aspects of your game. You'll lose big time if you're not lucky. If you're lucky enough to win, it'll hardly be worth the effort.

6.) We're talking real poker here, not video poker, so remember you're not trying to impress the change lady by getting the highest hand. Your goal is to be holding a better hand than your opponents. When everyone else is frightened off by your superior play, the pot is yours.

7.) Commit this to memory: If you can't beat the other hands, don't join them, fold and live to play another day. The table will always be ready when you are.

Above all else, have fun and save a seat for me.