TA, look what you've started now, the whole of PFO wants to be like you!

I have a gambling/tilt/life tilt problem

__________________
For Free Money, Rakeback and some 6x Ongame bonuses, I recommend PokerSource.

I recommend Cardrunners for superb poker coaching. It was honestly the single biggest improvement in my game signing up there! Sign-up fee might seem steep, but it pays itself back within weeks.

But... but... you're good!

__________________
Visit Bluff Europe's website for interviews, reviews, blogs and forums.

Wow.
I agree with Eclipse though, this is totally not a poker problem. It is a question of life balance.
It could be that if you ddn't play poker you may become obsessive about your job/golf game etc.

A long break is definitely the right idea but work on balancing your life, if you ever need to talk about anything feel free to AIM me and keep in touch awhatever happens.

__________________
For all non US Players I strongly recommend this site:
Red Kings: Plays on OnGame network, juicy games & continual bonuses given which clear at very good rate.
http://www.redkings.com/index.cgi?aname=jadegoody

I'm glad to read this! I'm more than happy to continue the long discussion we were having about this the other day if you see me on aim.

The 2 full time players that have responded, and with all due respect to everyone on the board, who's opinions are probably the most relevant have both agreed poker isn't the problem. I agree with them.

I'm not going to go in to any details that we talked about the other night because that would be disrespectful to you but I still stand by what I said (I hope you remember what that was lol). If you've forgotten, this time it will cost you entry to the $50k guarantee

I'm not going to say thank you for your contribution to the forums and for the coaching you gave me, not because I am ungrateful but because I hope to stay in touch.

Peace


EDIT - good luck finishing off college. Hopefully when you get yourself a proper job you won't worry about how much money you make playing poker (let's face it, you're not going to be losing)

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.

__________________
For poker news, strategy, and more, check out my daily column at Examiner.com

I agree with Steve-O. Definitely take a long break.

__________________
ICM / EV Calculator and other free poker software

I totally agree with Steve. While other self control issues and the like may be a part of the problem, I get the feeling from that post TA that poker is the main catalyst to the problems.

Maybe not quit forever mate, but at least take a long break (and give me lessons in the meantime ).

__________________
For Free Money, Rakeback and some 6x Ongame bonuses, I recommend PokerSource.

I recommend Cardrunners for superb poker coaching. It was honestly the single biggest improvement in my game signing up there! Sign-up fee might seem steep, but it pays itself back within weeks.

For the record I am in no way encouranging TA to keep playing poker. I agree he should take a long break and concentrate on more important life issues.

I just think that issues such as tilt (impulse control)/addiction/over-competitveness will surface in any form of life and poker is an outlet for, rather than a cause of TA's problems.

__________________
For all non US Players I strongly recommend this site:
Red Kings: Plays on OnGame network, juicy games & continual bonuses given which clear at very good rate.
http://www.redkings.com/index.cgi?aname=jadegoody

Good luck mate, but take some positives out of this whole situation, you realise you have a problem and your dealing with it. Many people can not do that, or are incapable

All the best

__________________

Ditto