1. Introductory Lesson. Explain the nature of the subjects I plan to focus on, while noting that all subjects are fair game and that reader letters provide good fodder and I welcome them. Explain my format, i.e., four related articles and then a connected quiz each month. Explain my teaching philosophy. Then begin with the first of four articles about tournaments-explaining how they are constructed, the plusses and minuses of tournament vs. money play.

2. The skills needed to succeed in tournament play. Contrast these with the skills necessary for money play. Explain how people play differently in tournaments and why my students should also.

3. Bankroll considerations for tournament play. Discuss fluctuations, ladder climbs, and the differences between rebuy and non-rebuy tournaments.

4. The art of the deal. What deals are, whether players should make deals, how to calculate what is fair in a deal, what kinds of circumstances argue in favor of or against making a deal. Mention that I will return to the subject of tournaments for more lessons in two months.

   a. Quiz about the first four lessons, with answers & explanations of answers (coming soon).

GROUP TWO: "The Human Equation in Poker"

1. Motivations for playing poker. Why you play poker. Why your opponents play. Why different motivations often lead to different playing strategies, and seeking out different kinds of games.

2. Gaining and giving information. Leaving "tells" mostly to Mike Caro, there is still a lot to be discussed about how certain actions and patterns can tell you and your opponents a lot more than an unobservant person would know.

3. Good and bad times to play poker. The self-assessment and assessment of your opponents. What kinds of games are available locally. The option of online poker. How etiquette in homes games can force changes in these and other strategies, and how to get around that etiquette.

4. How to adjust your game when you are winning or losing a lot. When to leave and the advantages and disadvantages of "stop loss" systems. The problems associated with loaning or borrowing money.

   a. Quiz about the four lessons.

GROUP THREE: "Strategy Month"

1. Introduce month by explaining each week will involve tips for a different game. Start off with important tips for limit hold'em. Focus on adjusting your play to the kind of game you are in and how certain kinds of hands go up or down in value, and why slavish adherence to starting hand charts can create problems.

2. Important tips for seven-card stud.

3. Important tips for limit Omaha eight-or-better.

4. Important tips for common features of unusual homes games, such as the "declare" option, paying money for extra cards, and other general tips for succeeding in the wild and woolly world of basement or kitchen poker. Mention the games that will be covered in the next "strategy cycle.

   a. Quiz on the four lessons.