What do you think of when the subject of Texas Hold Em Poker comes up? Do you think of your favorite place to play? How much you won or lost recently? Perhaps you think of your latest bad beat story and how you’ve just got to tell someone about it? In other words, you think of something related to what poker means to you.

Let’s try a different approach to that question and see what your answers are. To paraphrase JFK, “Ask not what Texas Hold Em Poker means to you, ask what you mean to the world of Texas Hold Em Poker.” I asked myself this question and was surprised at how many different ways I believe I impact the poker universe.

First and foremeost I am an avid poker player. What does that do for the world of poker? Well every dollar I put into a pot gets a percentage raked out of it so the house makes money. I am thus contributing to the health of the poker economy. A healthy poker economy means the poker rooms stay open and you and I get to play poker to our hearts content.

I am also a big fan of poker. When waiting for a seat I am watching others play, generally at a limit I am unable to play at [yet!], and I am enjoying it! I watch Texas Hold Em Poker on television. The World Series of Poker Online, the World Poker Tour, even local events like the Heartland Poker Tournament. It is us fans that are driving the current ‘bull market’ poker craze.

Fans also contribute to the poker economy by buying poker-related products. Do you own anything with the name of a poker room on it? I do. That makes me an advertisement for poker; a walking, talking billboard for whatever brand name or poker room I’m wearing – Full Tilt Poker anyone?

I am a student of poker. As a student I need teachers. I buy the books of many renowned poker authorities and champions. There are even seminars and online academies anyone can attend to improve their game with lessons from poker experts.