Hi. Come on in. Let's go practice shooting three-point shots at the basket up on the garage, and then play some Horse while we talk poker.

Did I ever tell you the story about Roger? Roger was a poker-room friend I knew a few years ago. I haven't seen him since he left for the East Coast. We never got together socially, but our paths crossed in the local poker emporiums, and we exchanged small talk. How are the wife and kids? Weather hot enough? How are the cards running? Chitchat.

While chit-chatting one afternoon waiting for a seat, I asked Roger what he did for a living. I was mildly surprised when he told me he was a professional poker player. Although he seemed to be a cut above the average player and took the game seriously, Roger wasn't a consistent winner. He did make money at poker, but not enough to provide for a wife and two kids.

As cars will do, mine became sick and I had to leave it in the car hospital for a day. My mode of transportation became the taxi. Imagine my surprise when I stepped into a cab and there behind the wheel sat Roger. I asked him if the cards had turned sour on him. He was astute enough to realize that I was really asking why a professional poker player was driving a cab. He told me that he had been driving for about two years, and did it just to fill his spare time – about 40 to 50 hours a week.

I am reluctant now to admit that my first thought was that Roger was stroking himself when he claimed to be a poker pro. Lots of players do that. But as we talked, I came to realize that this wasn't the case at all. Roger was being confident!

He had decided a couple of years earlier to become a professional poker player. He began to study and play seriously. He also decided that if he was to be a poker pro, he would think, talk, and act like a poker pro. He wanted all levels of his mind to believe he was a professional poker player. And that's where everything starts – in the mind.

In Roger's mind, he was a professional poker player who drove a taxi in his spare time – about 40 to 50 hours a week. I didn't believe it, but he did – more and more every day. He kept learning, and as his belief grew, his poker winnings grew. He convinced himself, and then he started convincing his opponents.

What is the value of confidence? Ask Roger. Then, ask yourself about your confidence. Understand that I'm not talking about arrogance or conceit. My 14-pound dictionary defines confidence as: "A faith in oneself; having strong belief or full self-assurance; self-reliance, assurance, or boldness."

How's your boldness? Confidence at the poker table is important. If you're not confident about winning, what are you doing there?

Was Roger just engaged in another form of positive thinking? Yes – sort of – but it's more than that. It goes deeper. It goes to your gut. And on some level, it radiates to your opponents. They're aware of it and they respect it. That gives you a bit more room to maneuver. Most of all, however, it puts you in a top frame of mind, and on top of your game. You play your best, expecting to win, and more often than not, your expectations are fulfilled.

When you lack confidence – when you're a little bit off center – your opponents will pick up on that, too. Then, if you start moaning about your bad luck, they're going to give you some more to moan about. (Ask and you shall receive.)

Here is a quotation that's quite popular with those who are into the mind sciences. I got it for free and you can have it for the same price. "You are not what you think you are – but what you think, you are."

Look that over until you have a clear understanding of it. Then, start thinking – of what you are, or would like to be.

Confidence.

You beat up on me in Horse, but I humbled you at three-pointers. Now, I tire and require repose. Kill the light on your way out.

Editor's note: Roy West, author of the bestseller 7 Card Stud, the Complete Course in Winning, available from Card Player, continues to give his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas to both tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Get his toll-free 800 number from his ad on Page 112.