If you follow your favorite high stakes players or professionals, you may have heard them say that it is becoming more difficult to win at poker. It is becoming more difficult to win because the quality of player is improving. For the most part there just are not many horrible players who basically give away their money. So why is it that there are fewer fish in the sea?

To sum up why there are fewer fish, knowledge is power. Before the poker boom and the new era of online poker sites and TV shows, there were relatively few people who played poker in a sophisticated manner. Players may have showed up at card rooms casually with the sole aim of having fun. With the internet expansion, it is becoming easier for players read information about the game in general and find tons of articles and news related to poker strategy, tournaments, players, etc. Naturally the knowledge base of a player can be expanded easily with nothing more than a computer and internet connection. People can read all of the theories of playing before putting any money at risk.

More players are also starting to read various poker strategy books written by famous and prolific players, learning how to play pre and post flop based on their cards and players. In addition to basic poker books the quality of print magazines and electronic media are improving as well. Internet poker forums have grown exponentially with players trying to learn how to play and following the latest poker gossip.

Previously poker players may have had mentors of some sort at their local brick and mortar casino, but a recent phenomenon is the addition of online coaching. There are a few big coaching sites that charge a sign up fee in addition to hourly fee. The coaches will review your play, teach you about every aspect of the game, and perhaps most importantly, coach within a time frame convenient to you.

The next time you sit down to play it is probably best to assume every player at the table is a quality player until they prove to you they are not. The knowledge is out there and everyone is doing what they can to soak it up.