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When I take a backswing, my left wrist cocks back (concave).

Like this:
http://images.jupiterimages.com/comm...3/23344302.jpg

I look at pictures on magazines and videos and the pro's have their left wrist straight.

http://www.cureaslice.com/golfpix/Hoganweb1.jpg

Am I doing something wrong? How does that affect the swing?

Because the wrist needs to flatten out again on the downswing it might cause some inconsistencies. However, some golfers have a swing that 'needs' that 'cupping' action though, and they can do it consistently. And if that is you in the first picture, I certainly do not think that your problem is 'extreme'.

That is not me in the picture but that form is mine. I just see how Tiger's wrist is perfectly straight. I cannot reproduce it without messing up the swing.

I've had a problem with breaking my wrist too early in my backswing, and I think it really cut down on the distance I was able to hit my clubs, especially my woods. I am making a conscious effort to keep my wrists straight as I start my backswing, and I am hitting the ball much better. My drives are now carrying 245-250ish, where before it was around 230ish.

Is your grip strong, weak, neutral? Do you have a one-plane swing, or a two-plane swing (assuming that you are 'up' on that lingo)?

If your wrist is slightly bent at the top of the backswing, does that mean your not rolling your wrist enough on the backswing?

I'm confused. Do you think that picture of Hogan shows a flat left wrist? It does not. Hogan always had a cupped left wrist at the top as far as I know.

My left wrist is cupped at the top, and I can assure you it is not a fault. Flat or slightly bowed are also not faults.

Hogan cupped his wrist to fight a hook. Most of us fight a slice so a cupped left wrist would not be a good thing. I too am working on keeping the left wrist straight.

I "try" and use a one plane swing and I keep my wrists straight in that I do not "set" or "hinge" them. I simply swing the club back, around, and through. To me, hinging and then unhinging the wrists puts one more thing into the swing that takes timing that I don't have or couldn't develop w/out a lot of practice. I am sure the wrists to rotate a little but its done through the rotation of the shoulders/upper body. Not through a conscious movement of the wrists. Hopefully, that made since.

Try this: the Proper "Wrist Set" on your backswing

If your left wrist is not flat, you will have to compensate for it using a stronger grip. Otherwise, you will leave the clubface open at impact, causing a slice every time.

To see this illustrated, simply take a neutral grip, pointing the "V"s of your thumbs and forefingers back at your center. Now, cup your wrist like you would at the top and watch what the clubface does: it opens up!

I have found that instead of focusing on a flat left wrist, it is best to focus on keeping a cupped RIGHT wrist. This is much easier to maintain than deliberately keeping a flat left wrist, even though you end up in the exact same position at the top. Let your right hand do the work, cupping it back basically as much as you can with your elbow in tight against you. Just let your left hand come along for the ride, especially if you have a one-plane swing.

This was my problem all summer long, by the way. Who knows what I would have shot if I could have hit the ball straight...

I use a strong grip. I use a one plane swing.

You need not reproduce it. A little cup in the wrist is fine if you have a strong grip.