I’ve only met a small handful of these guys over here, but the word is they are out here in flocks—internet card sharks making a bundle and leveraging global currency differences to live like rock stars. Most don’t talk about it too much because gambling in Thailand is illegal, but authorities at the moment seem to be looking the other way. One of the ways to stay in Thailand and live out the dream lifestyle that continues to intrigue me is playing online poker.

Poker, specifically Texas Hold ‘Em, has gained a lot of popularity in the last decade as poker went mainstream, with games aired on ESPN and taking over dining rooms and garages all over the country. Introduce the growing popularity of the internet, and you’ve got poker like it has never existed in another era—devout players can find competitive action 24 hours a day 7 days a week simply by turning on their computer.

And while internet casinos are making a KILLING at the average citizen’s expense, they aren’t the only ones. Poker is not a game of luck; everyone should know that by now, and for those that still doubt, take this into consideration: Bluefire Poker, one of the top poker schools on the net, has made a (seemingly) bold move in an effort to break down the labels our society gives to poker.

They have challenged the President or any member of Congress to go up against any one of their pros and vowed $1 million would go towards the charity of the politician’s choice if they won the game, and if they lost they would only put up $1. Pretty good odds, eh—if poker was a game of luck…

But the reason Bluefire was willing to do so and the reason no Congressman is going to take them up on the offer is because they know Poker is really a skill that can be learned. Accepting the challenge would destroy Congress’ argument.

For those who know how to do it, making money playing cards online is easy.

Why?

Well, mainly because of people like you who watch it on TV or read an article like this dive in their blindfolded, thinking you will make some cash. The smart player educates themselves, reads book after book, studies the game and gains experience slowly so their money doesn’t disappear. They play the numbers game.  By applying the same exact unwavering strategy over the long run, the chips end up on their side of table, and people who still play it like it’s a game of chance walk away empty-handed.

But why do this in cold, expensive Britain or windy Chicago when you could be sitting in the Land of Smiles, playing online poker by the beach, palms tress swaying and a grin from ear to ear? This is what you call proper lifestyle design. What’s more—savvy players barely have to break even to make an income if they know how to move from online casino to online casino, taking advantage of signup bonuses to maximize their profits.

These guys are not just scratching by over here. Online poker is a lucrative endeavor. Groups of young guys barely out of high school are moving over here and pitching in their money to rent mansions in the tropical sun. With this cost of living, the good life comes at a deep discount.  Certain areas of Thailand are becoming havens for these guys, though it is still a bit of a secret actually where they lurk.

For some people out there, sitting in front of you computer all day doesn’t sound like the good life. But these guys love the game. They don’t mind living and breathing cards.

If this is the life you want to live, my word of warning is to be careful. These guys are out there making money, they are sharks, and new guys like you are the ones handing over their money. If you want to be a serious poker player, education should be your number one priority. Read some serious literature about playing cards before you even put yourself out there. Study it hard. Take notes, for god sakes. Learn the numbers and how to manage a bankroll.

Practice playing free games just to get a sense of how the cards work, but contrary to popular belief, playing free can be a dangerous way to learn because the game is different when players don’t have money on the line. It can become a good way to develop bad habits before moving onto the real games.

There are two ways to learn that I highly recommend. Number One: Pay for an online poker school. Be careful, because many are just out there to get your money, but there are some legitimate schools producing winning players. Through mentoring and real videos with audio commentary, players learn how to think like a winning poker player.

Number Two, and I think an even better way to learn, is to find a personal mentor. Find one of those guys who are out there winning. Most of us know at least one. What is an income and a mobile lifestyle worth to you? If they won’t teach you for free, offer to pay them. Demand results, and start learning. Winning poker on the internet is a very teachable thing to do, and many seasoned players are happy to train an eager student.

There you have it—one more way to live the Thailand dream. Pulling in a couple thousand US dollars per month is easy enough in internet poker, even at the lower limits of the game. But leveraging international currency differences in a country like Thailand is the ultimate addition to such a game plan. If you are already back home grinding it out in your parent’s basement, its time to come to your senses. And if you’re looking for a way to make this happen, its time for you to get serious about the game, pack your bags, and come play poker in the sun.

It might just be in the cards for you.

Disclaimer: Yeah, you’re completely on your own with this one.  People who do it know there’s a risk.  That’s where it becomes a game of luck, so if you get deported, taxed, or thrown in the clinker don’t send me a postcard.