About Poker

I’ve been reading, watching, and breathing poker for the past few weeks. There’s something about the game that draws me towards it. I think it’s the opportunity (not ability) to win money, specifically from others. It scratches my competitive itch and quells my mind when I’m anxious. My favorite players to watch play are the big dogs: Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Tom Dwan, etc. They have the traits that I want in a poker personality. Calm and collected when the heat turns up, cutthroat when its time to bet big. Obviously, that will come with time, experience, and a bit of luck. When I was in college, I watched the movie Rounders and the ending really inspired to “go after it” as some would say.

Much of poker is all about risk management, something I’m not very good at. I either go 100% all-in or play my hand too close to the vest. I’m realizing more and more that it’s looking like I’m getting more gun-shy too. I need to get that edge back.

This won’t be the last time I talk about poker on this forum as its enveloping my attention too much right now. I love learning about hands, ranges, and modern poker theory.

And don’t get me wrong. I love my share of blackjack and roulette. They’re the games I have most of my modest winnings on. Poker is different though. You’re not playing against the house, you’re playing against others and at times, yourself.

“It's immoral to let a sucker keep his money”