For the Love of Poker

I've said it before.. at times, I've actually had more of an adrenaline rush and nervousness feeling at the poker table than I have fighting in the cage.

Very nice post!

...thats a tough question...being honest, I couldnt give you an answer..Im gonna think about that, and come back, and give it...i thought it would be easy to answer that, but when you really think of it, its hard to describe..Im told by some people that I am more in love with poker than anything else, I wonder if its true..:-)

Always something new but it's always the same.

I love poker for the competition and because I think its the only way i'll ever get a million dollars.

Thanks, Mortis. I used to play tennis on a local, regional and state level so I can really relate to what you're saying. The rush, oh yes--the RUSH. What's funny is sometimes after a SNG I'm still in a kind of quasi-tennis zone and have even said more than once stuff like "wow, that was a really intense match"!

That is exactly what happened to me and I'm still thinking . That's also why I began this thread--even though I'm not done thinking, I decided I better start writing down the thoughts I have had so far and am able to describe. Who knows, maybe the reasons are infinite!

While no one's ever said that to me, poker certainly ranks very, very high on the list of what I love. Whenever I've tried to go there with my friends they either yawn or look at me like I'm crazy. That's why it's so cool to have this discussion here--at least everyone will understand what we're talking about to one degree or another.

...all that and more...

Poker truly is an arena wherein nearly anyone can enjoy the thrill of competition.

Like most Americans, I am competitive by culture. I made good grades. I am well educated. I enjoyed competitive sports.

At age 30, I developed a heart condition that rendered me useless for most physical activity. No more biking, hiking, running, skiing, swimming, golf, tennis, football, basketball, baseball, etc. for me, except vicariously through watching others.

Then, a few years ago, I stumbled onto a televised NLHE tourney and quickly realized there was a lot more going on than just the two cards sitting in front of the players.

I downloaded PartyPoker (pre UIGEA) and began learning the game. To my delight, I experienced the same competitive euphoria that I had enjoyed with sports.

I feel this way playing all forms of poker. Having given me a fresh and exciting new purpose in life (besides family and work) I have come to believe that poker may actually help me live longer than expected. I am not being facetious. I love poker.