Hi, I am Sarah Hale otherwise known in the poker world as Oklahoma Sarah with an "h." I like the letter "h" because the word "help" also starts with an "h" and that's what my dad's been doing with me and my poker game since I was just a little girl.
I was born not only into a poker playing family but unto a poker legend: Oklahoma Johnny Hale. Ever since I can remember, cards have been a part of my life. My first words were, "raise the pot!" So who knows? Poker may be in my genes, or it may be in my heart, or it could be a combination of both-but all I know is I love poker and poker loves me.
Babe Ruth was known as the Sultan of Swat and he went to a hospital and told a dying boy he'd hit it a home run for him, and he did just that. Now forgive me for being bold, but now I am also going to hit a home run. I am going to be a world champion because I have a secret weapon... my dad!
My father just celebrated his eighty-first birthday today and he's still going strong! He is the epitome of what encompasses a good, old-fashioned cowboy. My father is the most gentle, loving, human being to walk this earth, and I can only hope to be as truly benevolent as he is during my lifetime.
So with parents old enough to be my grandparents, they had many hours to spend with me growing up. I can't remember a night growing up where I wasn't read to, told stories, sung to, and-most importantly-played cards with! All these extra special things my parents did for me, and are still doing, made me who I am today. It would probably be better if someone else was to tell you more about me but we have a saying in our family, "If it's fact, it's not brag."
I learned poker at my father's knee. I was in the poker room before I was born while my mom would take her knitting and watch my dad work his craft. I've been born and bred to play this game and it's become a critical aspect of my life.
The most valuable lesson my dad has ever taught me was to always stay lucky to "work" poker, and not "play" poker. Bobby Baldwin said, "Luck is like lightning. You can't bottle it and you never know when or where it will strike. So that leaves skill, and if you want to become a winner at the tables, you'd better start developing some." My family and I live by this motto and are dedicated to developing and improving our game on a daily basis.
The road to self-improvement is paved with exposure to books, forums, practice, reflection, and analysis. You must not be lazy if you want to be a winning player. You have to put the hours and dedication into studying and fixing the leaks in your game. Take time out of your day away from the tables and go to school. Maybe that means learning a new game, or honing in on your flaws at an old one, but in order to be in control at the poker table you must be in control of your life at all times.
Thanks folks! I am Oklahoma Sarah and I always Stay Lucky!
You may contact Sarah and OK-J at Oklajohnny@aol.com. Visit Oklahoma Sarah and Oklahoma Johnny at their website-www.ok-j.com.
