Winning Secrets of Poker
by Peter Thomas Fornatale
Fornatale interviews 18 professional poker players with a combined 20 World Series of Poker bracelets in an attempt to discover what separates them from the recreational player. Besides reading how Phil Hellmuth tries to control his temper to Jennifer Harman talking about the nerve-racking scene of playing in the world’s biggest poker game, Fornatale interviews Max Pescatori, David Sklansky, Matt Lessinger, an Anonymous Midwestern pro, Liz Lieu, Jesse May, Daniel Negreanu, Ed Miller, John Phan, Alan Boston, an anonymous Downtown pro, Ted Forrest, Padraig Parkinson, Matt Matros, Morten Erlandsen and the anonymous pro from Hell’s Kitchen.
Guide to Poker
Proper Poker BehaviorWant to be wanted in your local poker room? Manners and proper poker etiquette are appreciated by all...especially your fellow poker players. Leave you temper at the door and learn proper poker behavior!General Poker RulesWant to jumpstart your poker playing career? A good place to begin is to learn the general poker rules...including the Buy-in, Dead Hands, Irregularities, Betting and Raising, the Showdown, and Ties. Buttons and BlindsWhat's a blind in poker? Feeling clueless when you here the term 'button'? This article will teach you what poker 'buttons and blinds' are.Rules of Hold'em Poker, Including IrregularitiesHold'em rules are pretty simple and widely known. What happens when the unexpected happens, however, is where learning hold'em poker irregularities could help save a friendship...Rules of Omaha PokerWhat's Omaha Poker? Think Texas Hold'em with a twist. Learn to play the exciting game of Omaha Poker!Rules of Omaha High-Low SplitThe rules of Omaha High-Low Split are basically the same as Omaha. The difference is a nice perk for the holder of the low cards...Finding a Good Online Poker RoomJust as there are key facets indicative of a great online casino, quality online poker rooms have specific features that can help you to determine if the room is worthy of your attention or simply a 'Johnny-come-lately' looking to take a share of the $200 million poker bonanza. Here's what to look for when selecting an online poker room.Rules of Seven-Card StudSeven-Card Stud Poker has been a popular poker variant for quite some time. Spending a few minutes learning the rules could give you a lifetime of enjoyment!Rules of RazzThe Rules of Razz, aka Seven Card Stud Low...think low to win the pot!Rules of Seven-Card Stud High-LowSeven-Card Stud High-Low is a variant of seven-card stud high-low split. Learn the rules...Rules of LowballIf you take the rules of draw poker high and flip them you have an approximation for the game of lowball. But that is a simplification of a great game. The rules for lowball and lowball variations are explained in this article.Draw High Poker Rules5 Card Draw is the game most people first learn when playing poker. If you find yourself getting into arguments about this basic game, consult the rules for draw poker here.Kill PotsKill pots are explained along with full kill, half kill, and kill button in this article.No-Limit and Pot-Limit BettingSo you're feeling lucky are you? The sky's the limit in a no-limit poker game. Learn the rules and differences of no-limit and pot-limit poker. Poker TournamentsIf you are looking for the proper way to set up a poker tournament, check out this section of Robert's Rules of Poker. All of the procedures are laid out in a clear format.
Poker Strategy
Welcome to ReadyBetGo's poker strategy section. The articles below are concerned with general poker strategy and include topics such as tournament play, discussions of rules, where to play online poker, poker tells and poker psychology. Our authors include Bob Ciaffone, Michael Wiesenberg, Bill Burton, David Apostolico, and J. Phillip Vogel. For more focused strategy on Texas Hold'em or Draw Poker, see our sections devoted to those games.Why Choosing Reliable Poker Software is Crucial for Online Success
What makes Poker software good and what makes it reliable? Understanding the features and fundamentals that Poker software should have is the basis for this guide. Want to know more? Let's dive right in.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Why is Position Important in Poker?Poker is a game that involves a lot of strategy. New players only think about their cards and not much else. Experienced players, meanwhile, know that there are lots of other factors to consider. One of the most important is position.
This article will guide you through the basics of position and why it’s crucial if you want to improve your game.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Online Poker: How the Digital Revolution is Changing the GameGone are the days of organizing poker games and coming together in a smoky underground parlour at an agreed time to play. Poker has evolved into a mainstream game, played at all online casinos worldwide. The digital revolution through advanced poker technology made this shift possible and is speedily rewriting the rules of the game and changing people’s perception of poker.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Ultimate Guide on Seven Card Stud Poker rules and gameplay
Learn how to play 7 card stud through expert advice on how the game works and an overview of seven card stud rules.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Communities and Camaraderie in Online Poker
Online poker transcends the traditional boundaries of gaming, fostering communities and camaraderie among players from all walks of life. It's a platform where competition meets community, creating a unique social dynamic.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Understanding poker hand rankingsPoker has many variations, each with its own rules and strategies. Understanding the different hands, betting rounds, and community cards can be overwhelming for someone new to the game.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
The best poker strategies that should be knownPoker, an exciting game of skill and strategy, has captivated players worldwide. If your goal is to become a professional and increase your chances of success, it is essential to familiarize yourself with and apply the best strategies used by experts. In this article, we present an unmissable selection of strategies to help you achieve your goals in poker.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Upcoming Poker Series to Get Involved with in 2023
Poker series are scheduled events that often run for several weeks and offer a packed schedule of tournaments to play across multiple buy-in levels. Here, we take a look at some upcoming series that are sure to tantalize aspiring and accomplished players alike.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
The Importance of Understanding Ranked Poker HandsUnderstanding the ranking of poker hands is essential to playing any variant of the popular card game. Different poker games involve different rules and hand rankings, so it's important to understand how each type works before sitting down at a table.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
The Art of Bluffing: Tips and Strategies for Successful Bluffing in PokerThis post will look at tips and strategies for successful bluffing in poker. From understanding the principles of bluffing to adapting your strategy to different opponents and game formats, we will provide you with everything you need to know to improve your bluffing skills. Whether a beginner or an experienced player, you will find something here to help you boost your game.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
All known poker variantsPoker is one of the world's oldest card games and one of the most popular. It is a game that requires skill, luck and strategy. For this reason, it is advisable to play poker online for free to practice the different strategies very well, learn the different variants of the game and discover which one is your favorite.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Before You Begin Playing Online Poker You Should Be Aware of These Three ThingsPeople enjoy playing poker in real life for many of the same reasons that they enjoy playing poker online. It is a fascinating game that may be intellectually stimulating, enjoyable, and easy to play. In contrast to slot machines and the lottery, this game compensates players for their expertise.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
How To Hone Your Poker Skills As A Beginner To AdvanceTaking your poker skills from novice to expert does not require multiple losses at the table. Learn the tips that will up your game.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Manage Your Poker Bankroll Like a Pro with These Expert Tips
There are many reasons why we play online poker. For most of us, we are driven by a love of this centuries-old card game that requires a perfect balance of skill and good luck in order to win. Others are driven by the excitement of this inherently dramatic game, where the stakes are always high, and fortunes can be overturned in an instant.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Should You Try to Avoid Playing Poker With Amateurs?
by ReadyBetGo Editor
When you start playing poker, you’re mostly going to be playing with other beginners. If you play in a real-world setting such as at home, there is a very slim chance that you will ever encounter any professionals. The problem with this is that inexperienced players tend to gamble more. This means that it is almost impossible to rely on some of the key strategies that are effective at the top level. For this reason, it is wise to seek online poker games when possible. 5 Reasons Why Mobile Poker Apps Are Popular
The game of poker is played by millions of people worldwide every day. Its popularity in recent years has increased vastly, and the development of mobile poker apps has made the game available to smartphone users. The app store is now full of real money poker apps but picking the best one is still a crucial task.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
6 Prime Benefits of Playing Situs Poker Online
Online games are becoming versatile in recent days, but among all of them, Poker has remained on the top. The primary reason as to why it is staying at the top is its dynamic nature. So far, no game can allow the user to enjoy some extent as they can with situs poker online. If you are planning to play it, you must know the benefits you can reap from it.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Online Poker and the Chris Moneymaker story
Call it what you will, a Cinderella story of rags-to-riches, the impossible made possible, or a Poker revolution, but the story of Chris Moneymaker is one that will never get old or boring – and it’s a story quite unlike any other.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Increase Your Odds of Winning Online Poker with These 6 Tips
Even seasoned players find it challenging to play online poker. The truth is poker is a complicated game, and you need to upgrade your skills regularly. Amateurs are particularly enticed by the fun of playing the game and forget how to balance the excitement and the actual game. Here are a few tips to help you increase your odds of winning a poker game.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
5 Myths About Online Poker Debunked!
With lots of information circulating about online poker, it's easy to bump into some myths. These misconceptions can ultimately ruin a good game if you are too careful. Here are misconceptions about online poker that you need not believe.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Playing Poker Games Online
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Poker is a game that anyone can learn how to play; all the player needs to master is how to balance the odds. It sure does require some tactful skills to win with patience and discipline like skills and a player who wants to win has to master them. Can fashion give you the edge at a poker game
Gambling at a casino promises a night of glitz and glamour. To fit in and make the most of this experience, you should ideally put some thought into what you wear.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Why Have Only Women In Women Only Poker Tournaments
A very common reply from female players when asked why they shy away from playing more live poker, that is poker in the flesh against real people, is that it is intimidating and or an overtly unpleasant environment with male dominated banter.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Poker Hand Rankings
by ReadyBetGo Editor
One of the most important thing that a player looking to play games of poker is to know poker hand rankings. Read this poker hands ranking guide detailing all the nine poker hand rankings.The Rise of Online Poker
by ReadyBetGo Editor
One of the first casino games to go online, Poker has changed considerably in the last 2 decades. Find out how and why it has become so popular online.Poker and Blackjack Strategies
In today’s world, where almost every working individual is burdened with tons of responsibilities, daunted by challenging deadlines, and depressed with a monotonous lifestyle, taking a much deserved break is something that must be prioritized. Since traveling to a distant location and spending some time in seclusion is not feasible for everyone, people can find the same degree of relaxation by indulging in fun-loving and money-making games like poker and blackjack.
by ReadyBetGo Editor
Randomness in Video Poker Results
by Bob Dancer
Bob Dancer examines multiple random outcomes of video poker and if these events are luck or logical mathematical results.Pool, Poker, and Gambling - Part I
by Bob Ciaffone
To be a successful poker player - or a player of any other game in which you judge success by how much money you win - you must be a good gambler. Just being good at the game is not enough. Being a good gambler means many things, and one could write a whole book about the subject.Strategy for Making Something Happen in Poker
by David Apostolico
I’ll leave it to others to discuss whether poker is a sport or not. However, there are many similarities between poker and sports. In this article I want to explore some of those similarities and the lessons that can be learned. Trying to Get Back to Even with Poker
by Matthew Hilger
Most poker players have short-term goals. They sit down at the table and they want to win money‚now! Many players suffer having to close a session with a big loss. It kills them! How often have you stayed up late at night trying to get back to even? Do you always have in the back of your mind where you stand in a given session?Online Poker Strategy and Mistakes - Bluffing Too Much
by Matthew Hilger
Many poker players get themselves in trouble by bluffing too often. This is even truer on the Internet than in live games. Bluffing a lot is just not a profitable endeavor on the Internet, especially in the low-limit games where you frequently have hands go to showdowns.The Loose Aggressive Strategy to Texas Hold'em Poker
by Alex McCay
People approach no-limit Texas hold’em with different strategies, and the best players often combine a mix of styles and strategies to win. For years, the tight aggressive approach was touted as the best strategy, but in the Internet age, a loose aggressive style has gained in popularity. Choosing an Online Poker Room
by J. Phillip Vogel
Only a handful of years ago, choosing an online poker room was a fairly easy process -- there were simply barely enough of them around to make it a challenge. Oh, how things have changed. The past few years have spawned a multitude of online poker rooms, all boasting some combination of tournaments, satellites, ring games, and more. Don't Talk Too Much When Playing Poker
by David Apostolico
On a trip to the Borgata in Atlantic City, David Apostolico was reminded of that old Run DMC song 'You Talk Too Much.' He wasn't offended by his opponents' speaking habits. On the contrary, he welcomed their comments as they were giving away more information than they intended.Online Poker Mistake: Playing Short-Handed with Little Experience
by Matthew Hilger
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is playing in a game where you are overmatched, especially when the hands are dealt at a rate of 100-120 hands per hour.Doing a 180 in Poker
by David Apostolico
Poker is still a game about minimizing mistakes. If you’re not making enough, though, you’re probably not doing enough to win, either.Keeping it Simple in Poker
by Alex McCay
Part of what makes poker fun is the different strategies you can use to win. Tailoring your plays to your individual opponents, taking advantage of their weaknesses and avoiding their strengths, is what poker is all about. It gives players an opportunity to illustrate their ingenuity and receive a reward for it. However, sometimes in poker, it is possible to be too clever.Moving from Tournaments to Cash Games in Texas Hold'em
by Alex McCay
In times past, no poker player got his start playing tournaments. Before the days of the Texas Hold'em online, the only poker tournament anyone really new about was the World Series of Poker and only a handful of players participated in that. Those interested in poker played cash games, be it draw, stud or hold'em, usually for fixed stakesPlaying in a Short Handed Texas Hold'em Game
by Bill Burton
There are many times when you are playing Texas Hold’em where you will find yourself at a table that is not full. The following article gives you the best strategy to use in those circumnstances.When to Play Single Aces in Poker
by Bill Burton
The biggest mistake that many losing Hold ‘em players make is to play any two suited cards from any position which I refer to was ASAP. The second biggest mistake is playing a Single Ace from any Position. Calling to Exert Pressure
by David Apostolico
Common wisdom in poker says that in the great majority of situations, if you are going to enter a hand it is better to be the aggressor. But calling can also be an aggressive move.Sit and Go Tournament Strategy - Common SNG Mistakes
by Michael Greenberg
Sit-and-go poker tournaments are tourneys that feature a limited amount of tables. When you play a single table Texas Holdem sit-and-go, it’s like starting at the final table of a multi-table tournament.How to Play Seven Card Stud
by Bill Burton
Until a few years ago, Seven Card Stud was the most popular poker game in the cardroom. In this article, Bill Burton explains how the game is played.Starting Hands for Omaha 8- Hi/Lo
by Bill Burton
Choosing a starting hand in Omaha 8 can be a difficult task especially for a new player. Many players look at their four hole cards and look for a reason to play. Some players think any four cards can win and they should see every flop. Here's the real story on starting hands for Omaha Hi/LoBankroll Considerations for Poker Tournaments
by Michael Greenberg
Growing your bankroll is the most important part of playing poker. Sure, poker is a fun game of incomplete information, psychoanalysis and deception, but the main objective of any poker player is to make money. Here are some bankroll considerations to keep in mind when you play poker tournaments.Omaha Hi/Lo 8 or Better Explained
by Bill Burton
Low Limit Hi-Lo is gaining in popularity as many of the players like the chance of having a split pot. As Bill Burton explains, since the high and low are splitting the pot there are more players staying in for the River card making many of the pots very large.Running Big Bluffs in No-Limit Texas Hold'em
by Michael Greenberg
Try and learn how to bluff by doing an Internet search, and it is a fast-track to an instant headache. Read this article, and you'll have a better idea of when to pull out this big gun.No Limit Texas Hold'em Strategy for Beginners
by Michael Greenberg
Mike Greenberg is a new poker contributor to ReadyBetGo. In this article he outlines some of the basic things you should learn before you play Texas Hold'em poker.Poker: Thinking Like a Pro
by Bill Burton
One of the things that separates the winning poker players from the losing players is they way they think when they are playing the game. Winning players take many factors into account before making a play. To win, you need to open your eyes, observe, and start thinking like the professional players do.Learn How to Play Omaha Poker
by Bill Burton
Omaha may resemble Texas Hold'em in the fact that it is a game played with five community cards but the game is quite different. In this article, Bill Burton takes you through the rules of this interesting game.Luck and Poker
by David Apostolico
What separates winners and losers in the world of poker? Is it luck or skill? The role of luck is a big one, but don't overestimate it.The Story Behind Robert's Rules of Poker
by Bob Ciaffone
Robert Ciaffone is a man of many talents. He is a successful professional player, a respected author, and a popular poker coach. One of Bob's passions is to create a poker rulebook that get's it right. In this article he tells the story of how his renowned Robert's Rules of Poker came to be. Speed Poker - Traditional Hold'em Tables Take a Lesson From Online Play
by J. Phillip Vogel
Arguably one of the most entertaining versions of poker to evolve in decades, speed poker is a Texas Hold'em variant that takes the fast-paced, some would even say suicidal, action found online and drops it squarely into a traditional poker tournament setting. Omaha Is Not Texas Hold'em
by Bill Burton
If you want to be a winner, you must learn to play Omaha correctly. You can't be a winner if you use your Hold'em strategy for this game.Learning From Past Mistakes
by Bob Ciaffone
The Spanish-born philosopher George Santayana said in his 1905 work, The Life of Reason, 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' Let us remember the unfortunate 20th-century American period known as Prohibition and how it can tell us a lot about what we should expect from the new law anti-online gambling law passed by Congress.Playing Online Poker
by Bill Burton
Online poker has grown and there are actually many advantages to playing poker online. Whether you are a brand new player trying the game for the first time, a seasoned pro or a player somewhere in between you can find a game to your liking online. In this article, Bill Burton goes over some of the advantages to playing poker online.Starting a Poker Website
by Bob Ciaffone
There are now more than 200 poker sites on the Internet, with no end in sight to the poker boom. Are you curious about what is involved in starting a poker website? In this article, Bob Ciaffone asks a poker site developer what's goes into a successful poker site.Single Table Sit and Go Strategy
by David Apostolico
Single Table Sit and Go's are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are they the staple of online sites, many brick and mortar casinos offer them around the clock. Sit and Go's are a great way for beginning players to cut their teeth and gain experience. These tournaments don't take long and they offer the player an experience akin to a multi-table tournament.How to Win Sit & Go Tournaments
by Bill Burton
Sit & Go poker tournaments are fast-paced and profitable if you know what you're doing. The key is patience. In this article Bill Burton outlines the strategy for each phase of the Sit & Go.Poker Skills Quiz
by J. Phillip Vogel
J. Phillip Vogel has devised a little test to see how good a poker player you really are. Compare your actions to the odds in this interactive article.Opening an Online Account
by Bill Burton
Many players new to online poker wonder about opening an account for the first time. Bill Burton takes you step by step through the process of getting cash into your account in this article.Not Paying Attention
by Matthew Hilger
Everyone likes to talk about reading your opponents, playing your opponent, etc but how can you do this if you are not paying attention to the action at the table? A very common online mistake is not paying attention. This mistake can lead to numerable mistakes in important strategic decisions.South Carolina Gambling Laws
by Bob Ciaffone
In his last column, Bob Ciaffone described how a group of men from South Carolina, mostly businessmen, were playing in a friendly poker tournament in their apartment-complex recreation room and were busted by the police. How does this happen, you ask?Busted by the Cops
by Bob Ciaffone
Bob Ciaffone has never been either busted or robbed when playing poker. Considering the enormous number of times he has played poker in a situation in which he was potentially exposed to such threats, his luck has been incredible.Poker and Net Present Value
by David Apostolico
Poker concepts can be learned from many other disciplines. As a corporate lawyer by trade, David Apostolico sees numerous analogies between poker and business. In this column, he would like to share one that may shed new light on a fundamental problem every tournament player faces.Bob Ciaffone's Mailbox
by Bob Ciaffone
Bob Ciaffone gets a lot of e-mail. In this article he gives us a glimpse of the kinds of letters he's getting and gives us some good answers to perplexing questions.Beating the Bad Poker Players
by Bill Burton
As poker continues to grow in popularity, the casino card rooms and internet poker sites have seen the influx of new players who want to give poker a try. As poker is a game of survival of the fittest (with a bit of luck thrown in), it's crucial to be able to spot the weaker players.What's Luck Got To Do With It?
by David Apostolico
If you are in the hunt in most of the tournaments you play, are you just lucky? David Apostolico sincerely doubts it as he asks 'What's luck got to do with it?'Poker Tournament Psychology
by Bob Ciaffone
Performing when it counts is one of the biggest challenges facing anyone who competes. The discipline of sports psychology is devoted to helping people who have the skills summon them at the right time. Bob Ciaffone, the Poker Coach, devotes this article to recognizing common poker tournament psychological errors and what you can do about to avoid them.Asking the Right Questions...at the Wrong Time!
by David Apostolico
Tells aren't just facial expressions or subconscious gestures. In fact, asking questions can be one of the biggest tells of all as the answers may help anyone who's listening. Sometimes it takes a little effort to keep valuable information to yourself, but it's worth it.Poker: Game Selection
by Bill Burton
When it comes to poker and winning pots, who you play with is just as important as the cards you're dealt. Let's take a look at some common game types to see which are the most profitable.Trips in Your Hand in Omaha
by Bob Ciaffone
Two of the most interesting hands I played at the World Poker Open in Mississippi involved trips in my hand while playing pot-limit Omaha high. This holding is, of course, a serious drawback to your chances of winning the pot. Normally, to ever get involved, you would need to have three aces or three kings on the button (most likely with a suited card with them), or be in the big blind in an unraised pot -- or be a little bit crazy.The Inadvertent Check-Raise
by David Apostolico
Can a delay tactic on a check be intentional or planned? David Apostolico has seen it in action in tournament play and is impressed with the result, whatever the intention.Poker on Campus - Interest Still Growing
by Bob Ciaffone
If you look at many of the recent winners of major poker tournaments, you'll see that many of them are in college or recent graduates. Campus poker is a huge phenomenon in the country today. Bob Ciaffone speaks with an editor of a university poker publication to get some first-hand knowledge of the trend.Playing in a Poker Room
by Bill Burton
As poker continues to increase in popularity, many players are venturing into the poker rooms to play in live games. Playing casino poker is quite different from playing in a home game. There are certain procedures and protocols you will need to understand before you sit down to play.Can I Throw These Hands Away?
by David Apostolico
Your opponents are always sending you signals, even the kind that tell you to fold a great hand. Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll save yourself some chips and some heartache.Missing a Hand in Poker Tournaments
by Bob Ciaffone
Missing a hand in a tournament can be costly. After an unfortunate event with a zipper in the 2005 World Series of Poker, Bob Ciaffone did some calculations as to exactly what the consequences are.
The Guy Who Never Folds
by David Apostolico
Everyone's played with this guy at one time or another. He may not be doing himself a favor, but by never folding and always calling, he can wreak havoc with your game. David Apostolico examines the problem and offers some solutions.Find Your Inner Machiavellian Self
by David Apostolico
Machiavelli may not have played poker five hundred years ago in Italy, but he knew about power and manipulation. Here's an outline of some of Machiavelli's ideas and how they can help today's poker player.Writing a Poker Book
by Bob Ciaffone
Bob Ciaffone has quite a bit of experience in writing poker books. Here are some tips if you are thinking of following his example.Four Poker Myths
by Bob Ciaffone
There are a number of myths that have grown up about the necessary ingredients for success at poker. A myth usually has a germ of truth to it, with a large degree of distortion. It sounds plausible, but a close examination will reveal that there is more falsehood than truth.Fooled by Randomness
by Bob Ciaffone
Whether you pick up pocket aces back-to-back, or go for a hundred deals in a row without a pocket pair or a big-kicker ace, you need know how to handle dealing with streaks.My Poker Coaching
by Bob Ciaffone
Do you want to improve your poker game? Would you like expert advice on a one-on-one situation? Bob Ciaffone, the Poker Coach, has a unique method to help his students become better players.What You Should Know About Pot Odds
by Basil Nestor
You hear about 'pot odds' in poker, but you don't really understand what it means. If you have a winning hand, why should you care how much money is in the pot?Can You Beat Poker Regulars?
by Basil Nestor
Don't try to beat the regulars until your game improves. It may sound adventurous to hang in there and go mano-y-mano against the best in the casino, but in most cases that's a recipe for losing.Poker and Warfare
by Bob Ciaffone
Over and over, I marvel about how the games I play resemble real life. The parallel to poker in the real world is warfare. Poker is a fight, a struggle.