Why do you play poker?

zachvac · Jul 21, 2008

thepokerdoctor said:
I know this seems like a random question, but I find it interesting none-the-less. Why do you play poker? Is it for the money? The rush/excitement? The fame? Or is it your own little sanctuary, a place that relaxes you? Or something else?

I’m only asking because I just recently go into an argument with one of my closest friends. He asked me why I was getting back into poker. I told him flat out that it was because of the money. Do I think I’ll win a ton of money? Highly unlikely. However, it’s a dream. Don’t get me wrong. I love the excitement, the mental challenge, and the comradely of it. However, make no mistake, I want to win money. Big money.

He basically called me a sell-out, and accused me of playing for the wrong reasons. He considers poker his little sanctuary, a safe haven to get away from the stresses of the world. I completely understand. He has three kids, all under the age of 3, and works at a job he hates. However, I find it hard to believe that the majority of poker players aren’t primarily playing for the money. Am I wrong?

ok let me put it this way. I don't believe you, unless you're making a whole lot more than most of us, you have to have another motivation for playing. If you're making 6 figures, I'll believe you're playing for the money. There's just too much work, and too much mental stress, downswings, etc. to make it tough for someone who truly doesn't enjoy the challenge and working to get better.

Personally money's definitely a part, but a lot of it is the challenge of playing. I like playing against good players, being able to out-think them, or else get completely schooled and go back and maybe learn some more. I enjoy getting better and working hard to see the work pay off, in the form of money mostly, but the work is what fuels it. I think the reasons I play baseball and poker are extremely similar. They're both extremely similar in and of themselves, they have simple rules but unique situations can come up every day. And both for getting better there's no substitute for hard work. Whether it's working on a swing off the tee or in a cage, or studying how you play certain hands and figuring out the most profitable line.

So sure I'm loving the money aspect, being as when I had my first job at $7/hour I thought that was a ton, and now am making $11/hour just to break even through fpp bonuses, and also get to keep the profits (although recently they've been losses, stupid downswings). So sure now the money's a factor, but mainly it's the challenge and working to get better, and seeing the work pay off. Like most people I'm a pretty competitive person, so I enjoy putting in work to get better and win.

chink44 · Jul 21, 2008

Fun
Money
Women

thepokerdoctor · Jul 21, 2008

Zachvac

I’m sorry. That was not what I meant. I don’t play poker strictly for the money. I love the competition, the mental challenge, and the excitement. Those are all reasons why I play. However, I’m not going to lie. The money has a lot to do with it. Actually, I should say the dream of winning a lot of money has a lot to do with it. I don’t think anyone can deny that money doesn’t play a large part of it. If that wasn’t the case, then why play for money at all? Why not just play amongst friends?

I think the majority of us could agree that we’d love to be able to bet a couple hundred thousand dollars on games, fly around the world, enjoy the cars and women, etc… It’s the poker dream. Like you said though, there’s more to poker than just money. But in my opinion, those reasons are a distant second.

Pothole · Jul 21, 2008

It is a very interesting Q. There's been lot's of BS said in this thread, so lets get the truth out. Everyone plays poker to try to make money (If you deposit and play for cash ), play poker to "relax" ?, don't believe that, prolly the most stressfull thing besides a divorce and moving home. The biggest "rush" in poker is checking a flopped boat to the river to trap a call station. If your playing just for the rush, your a losing player, the thrill of winning will always lead to loose play. OK that just about answers all the previous posts, now I'll tell why I play.
One day, maybe, I'll win a life changing monster tournament. I play to win every game I play because I'm a competative person ( comes with the turf when your sons an Olympic Gold Medallist) and know that with the required amount of luck ( needed in tournies ) I'm good enough to win. I play mostly forum buyin games cause that's where the best players are and despite the suckouts, at least the all in calls are justified. If my KK gets beat by 44 for eg, at least the caller beat a possible AK push ( the most overrrated hand in poker ). To tell the truth, we all aspire to improve our "game" online, to be able to compete in, and win, at live games for big money. If that's not the case and you consider yourself a serious player, your deluding yourself. Being a part of a great community like CC is a bonus, because most of the members will teach and advise you on how to play better and in doing so, show you how to beat themselves. Becoming firm friends is another bonus, If JuicyQ, Daks or Nick rapes me in a game, ( do Nick actually play,lol ) or even Rex for that matter ( kiddin Rex ) I don't flip out and get lippy, it's the nature of the game, the sooner you realize that, the better player you will become. I'm waffleing now, you get the message?

mersocal · Jul 21, 2008

I like to play to relax and forget about everything else, and I enjoy playing some of my games with friends just to chat. Or when in a mood playing with random ppl and just trying out new methods, finding something that works. But mostly I just enjoy the game

Rememberthis1 · Jul 22, 2008

I play for the chicks.

Really though, the feeling I get in my stomach when I don't cash but get far, get beat on the river, win on the river, bluff a hand, read someone perfectly. I don't really play for money.

I play for the lurve of da game.

KerouacsDog · Jul 22, 2008

Pothole said:
It is a very interesting Q. There's been lot's of BS said in this thread, so lets get the truth out. Everyone plays poker to try to make money (If you deposit and play for cash ), play poker to "relax" ?, don't believe that, prolly the most stressfull thing besides a divorce and moving home. The biggest "rush" in poker is checking a flopped boat to the river to trap a call station. If your playing just for the rush, your a losing player, the thrill of winning will always lead to loose play. OK that just about answers all the previous posts, now I'll tell why I play.
One day, maybe, I'll win a life changing monster tournament. I play to win every game I play because I'm a competative person ( comes with the turf when your sons an Olympic Gold Medallist) and know that with the required amount of luck ( needed in tournies ) I'm good enough to win. I play mostly forum buyin games cause that's where the best players are and despite the suckouts, at least the all in calls are justified. If my KK gets beat by 44 for eg, at least the caller beat a possible AK push ( the most overrrated hand in poker ). To tell the truth, we all aspire to improve our "game" online, to be able to compete in, and win, at live games for big money. If that's not the case and you consider yourself a serious player, your deluding yourself. Being a part of a great community like CC is a bonus, because most of the members will teach and advise you on how to play better and in doing so, show you how to beat themselves. Becoming firm friends is another bonus, If JuicyQ, Daks or Nick rapes me in a game, ( do Nick actually play,lol ) or even Rex for that matter ( kiddin Rex ) I don't flip out and get lippy, it's the nature of the game, the sooner you realize that, the better player you will become. I'm waffleing now, you get the message?

yeah, money's a part of it, but it's not the be-all and end-all. I play micro, purely cause I dont want to deposit any more money online(one deposit, 3 years ago), but I too would love to take down one big tourney, I guess by a satellite in, etc.
But, I DO play poker to relax, and always have. I work nights, a pretty boring job, so all thru the night I'm dreaming of when I get home, and maybe play a couple of hours of poker, just to unwind. It's a great way to chill out.

BTW PH, what did you're son win the medal for, and when? Congrats, you must be very proud.
KD

mparker876 · Jul 22, 2008

Pothole said:
play poker to "relax" ?, don't believe that, prolly the most stressfull thing besides a divorce and moving home.

^^^ Agree 99%! The only time I have a "relaxing" poker game is when my bandmates & I sometimes play $1 or $2 freezeouts after rehersals. Then we're all playing because we enjoy the game & playing it with friends more than for the $4-$8 "jackpot".

We screw around, talk smack, & generally just have a good time; at those times the money is secondary to just relaxing & having some fun with some good friends.

UF_Gators2007 · Jul 22, 2008

I play live for the money, adrenaline rush, and the challenges. Nothing better than flopping the nut straight, then getting all your money in with your opponent drawing dead.

Playing online is mainly to kill time, I've only got about $15 in my online account. Been trying to grind the $2 SNGs but having some bad luck.

eaglezoners · Jul 22, 2008

I enjoy playing poker mostly because it is a personal journey in indentifying those character traits I have that have impeded or held back my game, and then taking corrective measures to bring the needed traits into my comfort zone. I also find that poker is not just experiential in nature but also requires you to do reading to acquire reliable knowledge from which you can become a better decision maker. What is interesting is that those traits that inhibit you from succeeding in playing poker are mostly the same traits that hold you back from reaching your full potential in life. So you might contend that poker is a paradigm that can be used to advance character traits in general.

I also have enjoyed meeting new people as I have played and developing friendships. I enjoy the competition and do get a thrill out of winning a tournament or freeroll, especially if it comes from the hard work I put in to better my game.

I also enjoy reading what my peers have to say about poker, and while it is not the only enjoyable thing to do in life, it certainly is one of them; one road I am glad I decided to travel down.

MDTed · Jul 22, 2008

I play because I tend to do things that are competitive for awhile, then I lose interest.

The money doesn't matter, I'm not happy to lose and so far I've never gone below my original stake on any site but it's not the main thing.

Plus it gives you something to do when surfing the net.

Shakes · Jul 22, 2008

I love this game. No matter what kind of card game, I like it for the entertainment and strategies. I just wish I was betterat . I love the competitiveness of it and find ways to improve my game in every type of poker game that there is if I can. I think I am better then when I first started but no where near where I want to be. And yes, I do it to try to win some extra money.

KerouacsDog · Jul 22, 2008

shakes, stick around, and read a lot here mate, Ive learnt so much over the 2+ years Ive been here. am I better??? oh yes! am i still learning? oh yes! can I beat a CCer at any poker game? not a chance!

lizasback · Jul 23, 2008

besides being nauseated every day, things are great & yes it is ms minnelli & i'm lucky enough to live here in new york where she lives, yet she's rarely ever here lol

KerouacsDog said:
hope it's going good with you, liza, I remember your intro thread.
Nice avater, btw, that is Ms Minelli, right, or am I blind?
She's hot, anyway!
GL

shinedown.45 · Jul 23, 2008

thepokerdoctor said:
I know this seems like a random question, but I find it interesting none-the-less. Why do you play poker? Is it for the money? The rush/excitement? The fame? Or is it your own little sanctuary, a place that relaxes you? Or something else?

I’m only asking because I just recently go into an argument with one of my closest friends. He asked me why I was getting back into poker. I told him flat out that it was because of the money. Do I think I’ll win a ton of money? Highly unlikely. However, it’s a dream. Don’t get me wrong. I love the excitement, the mental challenge, and the comradely of it. However, make no mistake, I want to win money. Big money.

He basically called me a sell-out, and accused me of playing for the wrong reasons. He considers poker his little sanctuary, a safe haven to get away from the stresses of the world. I completely understand. He has three kids, all under the age of 3, and works at a job he hates. However, I find it hard to believe that the majority of poker players aren’t primarily playing for the money. Am I wrong?

As of late, I don't really know why I'm playing because I'm running so bad right now, I'm getting to the point of quitting playing online altogether

norbs286 · Jul 23, 2008

First of all, Poker is related to Vegas and I LOVE Vegas

Started with BJ but after a while I got bored... "discovered" Hold'em and started playing... and got addicted. We don't have a casino in Israel (as its illegal) so I've looked for a GOOD place to play online. CC recommended FT and it was a good recommendation which I'm thankful for.

Money... Its always the dream, I guess I'll win or lose money in the real casinos and use the online playing as practice for the "real" thing
(although its not the same bla bla bla)

Good luck all!!

wagon596 · Jul 23, 2008

because

i play 10 or 12 hours a day,,,, i'm on social security disabilty so i have alot of time and not much money..... i use to drag race so i'm use to the thrill of winning and the down side when i lose. but just playing freerolls and low stakes i can add ,,,maybe 20 to 25 % to my monthly income,,,, guess you could say i'm semi-pro ,,,, LOL hope you guys realize that's sure as hell is a joke.

take care

dufferdevon · Jul 23, 2008

Playing poker can be relaxing, anything that distracts you from the stressors of like can be relaxing. Have you seen the way some people act on the golf course, throwing clubs, temper tantrums but they say tehy golf to relax.

Poker is an escape for some, myself incuded, a way to enter a fantasy world where the next turn of the card can turn your fortunes around.

I find it interesting how many people consider themselves "good" or "above average" poker players. It is another draw of the game, just like golf, you can sink a 30 foot putt just like Tiger. In Poker, you can hit the nuts on the flop and take your opponents money.

Now put these same two people against Pros or top level amateurs and you are losing at golf everytime and poker 90% of the time. But it is the illiusion it creates that attacts a lot of players.

ysmisc · Jul 23, 2008

I play because it is like Lottery - It makes you dream...
I mean if I will be really good at it I will get the dream job!! Flights/Vegas/Money... great!

Emryldnyght · Jul 23, 2008

I play for several reasons.
1) It relaxes me - at least most of the time.
2) I like the mental challenge.
3) I want to become good enough to quit my job, become a professional poker player, and win BIG!
Ok, I know #3 will probably never happen. But I gotta dream!

ROCKSOLIDBLUF · Jul 23, 2008

I play poker because it is a game/sport that you can always challenge not only the other players but yourself as well. I love going to some of our local casino's and playing $2-$4 games, the competition is great, and have met a lot of great friends along the way!

Coldplays · Jul 23, 2008

Just For The Game

I play Poker for the game. I am not a great player, but I do OK. I place some in freerolls and have won a couple of buy-in tourneys. My biggest was on Pokerstars 11+1 buy-in for $300plus and I won a big ring table pot of $98 before, but I play at the moment to improve my game.

"Coldplays"

ALIASES:
Classicdove @ Bodog
Spansdove @ Ultimatebet
Classdove @ Fulltilt
theacer1 @ Pokerstars

"Angelia" is my realname

Why do you play poker?

zachvac

Legend

chink44

Enthusiast

thepokerdoctor

Enthusiast

Pothole

Legend

mersocal

Rock Star

Rememberthis1

Rock Star

KerouacsDog

Legend

mparker876

Rock Star

UF_Gators2007

Enthusiast

eaglezoners

Rock Star

MDTed

Legend

Shakes

Visionary

KerouacsDog

Legend

lizasback

Enthusiast

shinedown.45

Legend

norbs286

Rock Star

wagon596

Legend

dufferdevon

Legend

ysmisc

Rock Star

Emryldnyght

Rising Star

ROCKSOLIDBLUF

Enthusiast

Coldplays

Rising Star

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