Back to School

An old cliché says you can't teach old dogs new tricks. But perhaps that depends on the dog.

Not that we're calling Daniel Negreanu a "dog" - but "Kid Poker" made a surprising move in the last year or so. He underwent three months of lessons on "game theory," after feeling he was "a step behind" young German players. Negreanu says he learned "new concepts" about poker. And we'd say they've worked; his winnings in the last 12 months are above $4 million.

We're not sure exactly what new concepts he learned. But can you learn something from what Negreanu did?

First of all, Negreanu humbled himself. We've long said that poker is a game that can keep you humble. But in this case, a six-time WSOP bracelet winner realized he needed to improve. Instead of trash talking the rising stars, he seemed to follow this advice....

The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. - Proverbs 3:34 (NLT)

Some poker players have become legendary for their insults and put-downs at the table. Negreanu's approach was to step back and analyze his own play. And so should we - even beyond poker:

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves.... - II Corinthians 13:5 (NLT)

Read the rest of that Bible verse, to see an important question about your faith - not in yourself, but in Someone bigger.

But back to Negreanu: he then was willing to learn. At age 43, he sought advice in learning how to be a better poker player. All of us could use that sort of attitude...,

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen, - II Peter 3:18 (NLT)

You say you know poker? Become a student of the game, watching others carefully for new twists and approaches. And do you say you know God and Jesus? Don't be too sure of that, either. All of us need to grow in our knowledge of the ultimate family. That can come from watching others, too....

Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. - Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)

Negreanu apparently took that advice - and his bank account is better for it. Might that work for you? In poker, and in life?