03-13-2008, 07:24 AM
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PokerForums God
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Luton, England
Posts: 5,035
Limits Played: $2-$4 NL
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Response to Steve-o
I thought it not fair to TA to continue this debate in his thread however I diagree with alot of Steves points here:
Quote:
I disagree with the people saying it's a control problem and not poker.
I quit playing poker myself (for any serious stakes at all) just after my son was born. It's difficult to play poker as a living and have a normal relationship or family life, unless your significant other also is a poker player.
#1 - the hours are weird. Try going to dinner or a movie with your wife on a friday night when all your thinking about is the donks at the table you're missing. Or, not tucking in your kids because you're off at a casino. Or, your wife sitting home wondering what kind of mood you'll be in for the next day or so.
#2 - as TA pointed out your either on a big high or an unbelievable low. isn't it funny how we talk about making x amount an hour but we never are even close to it from session to session? When I was playing 20/40 limit I was making $52 an hour, I never had a 6 hour session where I made $300 though! It was always like +800, +1,200, -$600...
#3 - you get burnt out, poker is no longer fun. It simply turns into "what did I earn". I played poker for years, before it blew up even. I remember my fascination with the game and waiting patiently, studying, all those things. Honestly, I just don't have it anymore. I did exactly what TA did, I cashed out all my money (I didn't burn my poker books though) and I haven't even touched a deck of cards in at least 3 months.
I think he did the right thing for himself at the moment. He can always go back to it, when he has the passion for the game back, when he's more mature and in a better place in life.
To use a corny expression: it doesn't matter if you win or lose, its how you play the game. It doesn't matter if he's a good player or a bad player, if poker is fucking up your real life you need to step back from it.
If your real estate or banking job caused you to drink, and be miserable, and lie to your family, most people would tell you to quit. No matter how succesful you are, same with cards, fellas. There rae more important things in life than fame and fortune, glad TA realized this.
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