If I had to hire a house cleaning service, a cook, a party or event organizer, a gardener, or even a personal shopper (nowadays quite popular), it would be very simple. A phone call to a few dear friends of mine, and voila’ my whole network would be activated in a matter of seconds.

If I also had to hire a nanny for my kids or a tutor for helping them with their math, language or piano lessons, it would be quite easy. Whether through the classified section of the Sunday paper or again relying on word of mouth, I could select the right candidate in a few days.

Tango lessons? Not a problem. Pottery? Not a problem. But how about hiring a poker coach? Yes, you heard me. After getting totally hooked up on Texas Hold’em, I’ve decided to go ahead and improve my skills, or I should better say, learn how to play poker. At the news that I was looking for a poker trainer, my husband, who plays with his friends every Monday night, first exploded in a huge laugh, and then (of course) refused to take part in any teaching of any kind.

So here I am, looking for a poker trainer and not knowing where to start. What criteria shall I consider to determine if someone is a good poker trainer? Where should the lessons take place? Are there any group classes or it’s going to be one-on-one? Too many questions, too little time… uhmm on second thoughts, tango lessons sound perfect!