19aleks57 said:
dgellitson said:
You can make friends in any walk of life
TheDude6622 said:
Yes, and I have! Some are from work that we found our common interest, and others were made from just talking at the table!
These first three responses, I've selected to quote because they illustrate the same view as me with slightly different perspectives in wording and approach: yes, it is possible to form friendships from the poker table. It is as with anywhere else in life; people can make friends in the most strange of circumstances sometimes; and in the competing game of poker is no different.
I've heard of "more unlikely" friendships, you know? War veterans who were literally enemies - sometimes become friends after the war. I know of some guard and prisoner friendship stories (civilian prisons) and so becoming friends with someone in a competing game of poker doesn't seem as far-fetched. Sure, why not? You already share something in common, so friendship is certainly possible.
COMIRRR said:
I think it is said that you make new friends at the game table, considering that you play for real money. When it comes to money it is harder with friends. Yes, I agree that you make friends but only if you play on chips and not on money.
I also quoted this one because I think this is indirectly aiming at another point I find interesting. What are the game stakes? If the stakes are really small homegames or "play-chips" then friendship over the game feels likely because it is more so bonding over a social event than it is a grind for someone's rent money. However, even at the high stakes: many poker pros become good friends with each other (maybe part of it is an act for tv, but that doesn't explain regs in local
casinos becoming friends with each other).
I think the money can get in the way of some friendships (and those you probably shouldn't be playing poker with), but for many people the friendships are separate from the cards, chips and money.
Everyone is different and some are naturally more sociable, but I believe friendship from the poker table is certainly possible and for many it is a reality that is a part of their life.