A Plus B Equals C: A Poker Player's Worth is Judged by His Bottom Line Some poker strategies will surprise you with their simplicity. This is one of them. Write down your results, every single time you play.

In common with all churches, we believe in donations. Bad players will pay your mortgage for you every month, and enjoy themselves as they lose their money to you.

But how much? You must make detailed notes.

Church of Texas Holdem Psalm #3:

Thou must record thy wins and thy loses; for it is the sum of all a man’s achievements which create his bottom line.

How detailed is up to you. I tend to think that hourly rates and that kind of intimate detail is wasted. Simply work out how much ahead you are and how much (if anything) you have withdrawn. Of course, if you lose, record that too, no matter how much it hurts.

Don't forget to record what type of game you're playing, if that's important to you. (In my experience, most players stick to what they know and don't experiment. If all you do is keep up, down and withdrawals, you're way ahead of most players out there!)

Give yourself realistic goals, such as a 'dream' target (new car, holiday or whatever). When you withdraw, add the dollars taken out to your dream counter. The more successful you are, the nearer that dream will get!

Do I ever get tired of giving advice which makes you work harder? Yes. Of course. Who said religion was an easy path to take? But keep following the path and you will become a better, richer poker player!

Here endeth the lesson.

Ashley Cotter-Cairns is also known as Father Ashley of the Church of Texas Holdem. Lost in the poker wilderness? Visit http://www.church-of-texas-holdem.com to receive the teachings of the poker gods!