I started playing back in the 2004 online before they banned it. I was playing $1 tournaments which was fun, fine, cheap weekend entertainment. I have read 
and still watch the WPT channel on Roku TV. I learn alot from commentators Mike Sexton and Vince VanPatten as they analyze and explain the strategy for each hand. I have improved tremendously but at 80yrs old am not comfortable with live play venues due to other factors. It takes physical as well as mental stamina to play tournaments. Local venues are full of hardened players who grind at cash games on the daily and make a living at it. I cannot compete and it would take the joy out of the game for me. I 
online poker and have become a multi millionaire on both Replay and Pokerstars:grin:.
Like asking me what it is like to be a millionaire. No idea. I will keep trying though, as long as my wonderful friends put up with me. Good Luck to all…
i do like your picture–looks like all the ladies i dated (cute, blonde hair) and eventually married:).
Aww, can NOT argue with Napkin on her thoughts:)
The casinos have MANY $1-$3 games ( buy in for $100-$300 ) and very seldom bingo players…I do recommend, ALLLLLLWAYSSSS buy in for the maximum as that is how you win more money (common sense) but for beginners with not a lot of money-i guess buy in for the min.
In my experience, casinos tend to have maximum buy-ins for ring games, usually between 100 and 200 big blinds.
Muted for life is the best. That way you just mute the game entirely and play poker without distraction. No need to engage with the localized politics and residentials.
How long? Not sure there is an answer, it could be a lifelong quest.
I asked ChatGPT (love that app) : how do i know if i am good at poker?
answer is essay long, will not post, just this one part:
Red Flags You Might Think You’re Good (But Aren’t Yet)
You win mostly against poor players and lose against competent ones.
You attribute losses only to bad luck, not bad decisions.
You play based on gut feeling rather than logic or math.
You chase losses or “just know” they’re bluffing all the time.
He’s a LITTLE bit different. He likes to email you (if your his friend) in response.
Rick is right, i like 2 talk n be friendly–i will e-mail ppl. during hands and them back 2 me etc. as this is a fun free site:)…Cash games online we chat as only the awww Donks get distracted and say “stop chatting so much, i cannot concentrate” so we then just chat more:)
My old buddy Rick—are you NOT the one who told me you NEVER play hold-em because “it is only a game of luck of bluffing” ? You are a funny guy:)…
“Funny how? I mean, funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you? How the f** am I funny? What the f*** is so funny about me? Tell me. Tell me what’s funny?”*
Yes sir, you’re right! HOWEVER, as bad and how much I detest it, I got a free sprint ticket to a 4 person-2 paid game, so I thought what the hell. GOT VERY LUCKY and won 2nd place for 55,000 and another ticket. Otherwise as you know I wouldn’t bother with withholddem. LMFAO!
Ok, you are FUNNY—remember telling me you had 2 accounts? You wanted me 2 play u heads up n give me your chips from one account and then play me again with the other account and give them 2 you on that account? and give me 20% of your chips for awww my helping you lol–and i said " are u nuts" now that is FUNNY…
SHHHHH! Don’t tell everyone ALL my secrets-LOL! Got caught anyway and RP took the extra chips that were ‘given’ to me. So I guess I learned my lesson. Which is really a silly rule anyway-IMO.
Being that the chips are awwww play chips, got 2 agree with you on this one:).
bill what does awwwwww mean
It is me being sarcastic i guess:)
Getting good at poker is a life long skill I believe. Just practice! A lot! 
A good way to be better in poker is to join a team here in Replay,you will learn alot from your team mates and get friends
I saw this today from a guy who is a real poker legend:
Q: Best piece of advice to get better at live poker?
A: take bad players seriously