I really get irritated, so why do I play?

Last year I used to play quite well. I made money, liked the people that I played against. At least most of them. there was that guy that I put out that said he hoped I died of breast cancer... well anyway, I used to love to play. Now I just constantly get annoyed by even my friends that I play with online. I find myself mumbling awful things about them under my breath in the confines of my computer space.

It has made me really not like myself much and really start to dislike playing poker.

I am a good player. I mean I really am, that is when I am not feeling this way. But cant seem to get outta this place.

Read 'Zen and the Art of Poker' imo.

perhaps you are a bit better than your friends and you find thier play sub par. don't fret. just exploit it. after all they are willing to put thier money on the line. you should be willing to take it.

You do not say why you no longer enjoy playing - perhaps you don't even know yourself. However, I suspect the clue is in the quote

"Last year I used to play quite well."

If it is bad beats / bad play (by yourself or others) that is causing you to not enjoy playing, the best thing you can do is to take a break from poker for a couple of weeks.

sounds like your competitive is all. i always do that to.

"this friggin donkey has nothing, i know" most often im right, but sometimes i make mistakes because of this mentallity and end up being way behind.

If they want to be idiots let them. Just take advantage of them when you play against them and rub it all back in there face if they piss you off so bad. We all get mad its just about how you channel the negative energy in your game. You can go on tilt or go on ass kicking mode and make a example of bad play on there part. I like the second choice as I rarely go on tilt anymore because we all know online is full of bad beats all you can do is have the best hand going into the showdown and hope it holds up!!! Best of Luck and keep playing as I think you are more then likely a very strong player. Best Of Luck and I wish you and Family Happy Holidays!!!

You could invite your friends to play online too with you...maybe if they want you to go with them to do something else you challenge them to a poker match whoever gets highest in a tourney or all chips at a table or something wins.

lol I dunno just some ideas.