Just imagine what a little pro schooling can do for your poker career. A Salt Lake City woman two-day class at a "poker academy" last summer, some days later she was cashing in on $262,000 worth of chips as the winner of the women's event at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

The first World Series of Poker Academy will be held in Atlantic City on Dec. 1-2. The focus will be on tournament no-limit hold 'em, the most popular version of the game. The classes, set to be given at the Harrah’s Atlantic City, will feature designated instructor and winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event Greg Raymer, known as “Fossilman” to viewers of televised poker events.

Raymer, who was working as a patent attorney before he won $5 million in 2004 says that in teaching the game, "I try to simplify the decision-making for the students."

Other poker pros will also give lectures. Of notable interest will be the talk Joe Navarro, a longtime FBI agent, who teaches the art of poker "tells" the hidden language behind poker players.

Students are also eligible to play in a sponsored tournament, with the winner getting a $5,000 seat in a World Series of Poker Circuit event at Harrah's Atlantic City in mid-December.

Although the price is somewhat lofty, at $1,699, the discipline, technique and lessons being taught makes it an investment worth your consideration.

You may not become a world-class poker player, but it will definitely give you an opportunity to step up and hone your skills so you can win more and move up in the ranks. An all-women's academy is scheduled for Jan. 25-26 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with poker star Annie Duke expected to teach.