What's the Deal? #6
By Sharla Lehrmann

Today we look at some of the harsh realities of poker. It is a good idea to sum up your motivations now before you get heavily involved in live games, tournaments or online “for money poker.” This discussion is primarily a mitigating discussion, and one designed for self-exploration and truth.

As a new poker player, you probably have many questions going through your head. I thought about some of the problems and questions a new player might have, and I put together some contemplative thoughts regarding the need to take a long, hard look at why one plays poker…risking hard earned money, self-esteem, and self-inflicted guilt. This is not to say that poker is a bad thing, because it provides a great field for competition, adrenaline rush, thrill, and personal challenge. But there are some down sides and, just as in life, it is necessary to paint an entire picture of ones activities, making certain at all times that the best decisions are being made.

What makes you love this game of poker? Is it because it provides fun and excitement for you? Does it satisfy a competitive need within you? Are you a risk taker in all aspects of your life, or is poker your one outlet that allows you to step out of the box and “run with scissors?” Do you go into a game with the outlook that it is a business, or do you go into it with the idea that it is recreational and purely for your pleasure?

Remember, in poker, there is always going to be a winner and there will always be a loser. Do you think that you are going to make money playing this game? Overall, do you know that the majority of poker players lose in the long run? Are you ready to accept that and prepare for the consequences? It is a very wise idea to set aside money you know you can risk. Not the gas money, or your family’s much needed money, but a bankroll, set aside with the sole purpose of playing with it and probably losing it. Playing with “scared” money takes all the enjoyment and fulfillment out of the game. It has the potential to begin a downward spiral of “catch-up” that can do nothing but put you in a very, very unstable position.

Poker is a very competitive game. We keep score in poker with money. Not points as in golf or tennis. As in all other competitive games there is a sense of pride in winning. Defeat has its own misery, however, it most likely never has the impact of taking away ones livelihood. The two things that can help make poker be successful in our life are moderation and self-control. Play only with money you have set aside as your bankroll. Do not commingle your living expenses with your bankroll. Once you have done so, you have lost control and moderation. Keep records of your bankroll. Otherwise, you will fool yourself by denying your losses.

I have gotten myself into a position of losing money that was not there to be lost. I have friends who have lost their self-esteem, their families and their control over their lives due to their total submission to poker. I started this article by saying it is written as a thought provoking piece. I love poker. I want to play poker for the rest of my life. I want to continue to allow the game to test my skills, my ability to outthink and outwit my opponents, and my capacity to pull off the perfect bluff. It is a wonderful feeling to achieve these things. It is a great competitive arena. Self-control, skill, and luck are all factors you have to have to win this game. Study, learn, and practice. Play poker. Don’t let poker play you. Know why you are playing the game.