I'm Out

I had been playing pretty heavily for the last couple years and had switched to casino poker since the shutdown but now I feel like I'm done for good. I think the main reason is the people who you encounter in a casino and my desire to not be one of them. I took some time off then went and played over the weekend thinking I'd rediscover my love of the game but it's just not there anymore.
If I ever have to listen to another boring bad beat story or see some idiot who wears Full Tilt gear like they're being sponsored to sit at a 1/2 or 2/5 table I may kill somebody. As a final celebration I took my wife out for a fancy dinner and gave her some jewelery with my winnings from the weekend though so that's good.

That's one of the reasons a lot of us prefer to play online and not casinos.

It's unfortunate that most of the people playing god with poker legislation have no clue how different the two are.

Glad you and your wife enjoyed your winnings.

Not much point spending your time hangin with folks you don't care for. All the best to you.

i know how you feel. With me due to that me going to school, taking care of my son, working full time i dont have time to go to a casino. Plus i dont have a big bankroll to start out of the blue playing 1/2 at my casino.

I, personally, enjoy playing live. I enjoy online, too, but they are different animals altogether. It always strikes me when I do play live though, how little enjoyment most of the players seem to get from it. The next time you play live, take a look around the table. How many "happy" faces there? Usually, not many.

I've often wondered why this is. I mean its not like anyone is making you play. If you're not having a good time, or at least an enjoyable time, why bother? I know, I know, the relentless pursuit of the almighty dollar. But most people playing 1/2 and 2/5 aren't cleaning-up anyways and, at best, may show a small profit. At some point in time it has to become a question of if it's all worth it if you're not enjoying the game any more.

Dreams of Tragedy said:

... i dont have a big bankroll to start out of the blue playing 1/2 at my casino.

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I've often considered that that may be part of the problem or reason for people's apparent lack of enjoyment when playing live. It's hard to enjoy yourself when you know you are not properly bankrolled for the game you are sitting in and that the money you have sitting on the table at any one time would be a significant loss should you take a bad beat or just have a random downswing.

FWIW, I'm in the same boat as you. I occassionally play live NL, but I'm really not properly rolled for it, so it's always more of a one-off, take-a-shot type thing, and never with money that I can't afford to lose. I'm not even sure what a "proper" bankroll for live 1/2NL would be, but certainly in the thousands of dollars and I just don't have that kind of money lying around to be used as a poker-only bankroll.

That's why when I play live I generally (probably 90% of the time or so) play limit rather than NL. I'm comfortably rolled for that, so I don't have any financial worries in the back of my mind while I'm playing. It's a shame limit is a dead/dying form of poker.

Funny thing, too. People generally seem to have more fun in a limit game, at least from my experience. Perhaps, that's because everyone at the table realizes that we are literally playing for just a few bucks and no one is either going to get rich or lose next month's rent money while playing limit.

I am with you on the "people I dont wanna be like or around" bit for sure. Not in poker but in the music biz. Enough people I do like to be around tho, so I am happy.

GL in whatever you do. If you are winning - like an amount you dont want to do without - , I would maybe consider speaking to a psyche coach like Jared Tender, but that may not be any help if the fire is out, and just a thought anyway.....

Big_Rudy said:

I, personally, enjoy playing live. I enjoy online, too, but they are different animals altogether. It always strikes me when I do play live though, how little enjoyment most of the players seem to get from it. The next time you play live, take a look around the table. How many "happy" faces there? Usually, not many.

I've often wondered why this is. I mean its not like anyone is making you play. If you're not having a good time, or at least an enjoyable time, why bother? I know, I know, the relentless pursuit of the almighty dollar. But most people playing 1/2 and 2/5 aren't cleaning-up anyways and, at best, may show a small profit. At some point in time it has to become a question of if it's all worth it if you're not enjoying the game any more.

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Take a look around the entire casino. People are not having a "blast" in there. Poker is fun but not like an amusement park ride. It's challenging. When people play chess do they look like they are having fun? I love to play poker live and online. If you took a snapshot of me playing poker, 99% of the time you would probably think I'm board out of my mind.

tusabes said:

Take a look around the entire casino. People are not having a "blast" in there...

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Not sure what casino's you're playing at. Whenever I go, people generally seem to be having a pretty good time, especially at the other table games (who can really tell with the slots players). I'm not saying everyone needs to be dancing around the tables or anything, but you'd be pretty hard-pressed to find a more glum-looking group of 10 people anywhere outside of the typical NL poker table, at least the ones I play at.

tusabes said:

If you took a snapshot of me playing poker, 99% of the time you would probably think I'm board out of my mind.

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Bored would be fine. Doesn't seem like much fun, but fine anyway. I'm talking about the fact that if you looked around the typical 10-man table, probably 8 of them look like they are about to walk outside the casino and hang themselves. Lighten-up people.

Big_Rudy said:

Bored would be fine. Doesn't seem like much fun, but fine anyway. I'm talking about the fact that if you looked around the typical 10-man table, probably 8 of them look like they are about to walk outside the casino and hang themselves. Lighten-up people.

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That is an excellent way to put it. I like to play and joke around and have fun and most people have this idea that they have to put on some sort of an act or something. They watch on TV and think they need to sit there with dark shades and move super slow and pretend that they have to labor over the decision to fold to an $11.00 bet.

If anything it seems that you might have the problem, no offense

Then again, if you don't like the atmosphere of what poker IS. All of what you said, is what poker is and has always been about, acting is whast people do. Wearing shades is the norm and I've seen it forever.

Just because you don't take it seriously and just want to have fun/have a laugh (which is fine btw!) others like to do the complete opposite. You're quick to just assume what people are thinking by saying

"If I see another one wearing FT gear like they are sponsored by them" < Just because someone wears clothing by a poker site doesn't mean they are acting liek they are sponsored by them. They are openly sold to members of the public as just normal wear.

Also, just because you like to joke and "mess" about doesn't mean someone is putting a act on just because they watch TV, nor is it wrong for them to put an act on if they want too and again, this is what poker is about. (Again assuming they watch TV with poker) You're a very presumptuous guy!

If they want to sit there with their dark shades on making super slow moves and pretend they have a decision to fold an $11.00 bet doesn't mean it's wrong. For one, they might well not be pretending, they have no reason to pretend. An $11.00 pot isn't a lot in poker, just you seem to have this thought mechanism of some guy who plays low limit poker and people should just gamble and have fun, the typical spew monkey who people love having at the table

At the end of the day, people who sweat over an $11.00 pot aren't "acting" this is what is classed as big in their limits and want a real feel of poker live. Just because it's not a pot on HSP for 100K doesn't mean the same through process/decisions shouldn't go in to a hand. It's the same for 1c and 100k for some people.

Anyway it's a shame for all the shark out there at the live tables as they are losing another fish But I guess you're with your rights to have your own opinions but I certainly believe it's more of your problem than theres, if you want a quick laugh/gamble, then try the roulette or something, I'm sure the roulette spinner is more than happy sharing a laugh with you


EDIT: Just read some of your previous posts/threads. All are whine about live poker and players in general. I genuinely believe you just lose money and these young guns you keep seeing at your table taking your money is taking its toll and that's why you're moaning about how they come across "acting" like they are pros. You said the same thing in another table quote, "I will say it again and again, just because you 're playing 1/2nl doesn't mean your on TV".

Big_Rudy said:

Bored would be fine. Doesn't seem like much fun, but fine anyway. I'm talking about the fact that if you looked around the typical 10-man table, probably 8 of them look like they are about to walk outside the casino and hang themselves. Lighten-up people.

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They would have no reason to be in there playing unless they wanted too. It's not like going to work and sitting there and waiting to go home, people are there to have fun. Unless of course you are a pro (Except I can't imagine them playing for $11.00 pots for a living) then you might get bored, but I doubt very much they are bored just more of a look during thought process.

ramdeebam said:

EDIT: Just read some of your previous posts/threads. All are whine about live poker and players in general. I genuinely believe you just lose money and these young guns you keep seeing at your table taking your money is taking its toll and that's why you're moaning about how they come across "acting" like they are pros. You said the same thing in another table quote, "I will say it again and again, just because you 're playing 1/2nl doesn't mean your on TV".

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Really? I got a completely different impression (but seems we 'read' situations differently quite often). To me it sounds like OP likes the game but is sick of bein' around the types you'll find playing the game. (< maybe I'm wrong?)

ramdeebam said:

They would have no reason to be in there playing unless they wanted too. It's not like going to work and sitting there and waiting to go home, people are there to have fun. Unless of course you are a pro (Except I can't imagine them playing for $11.00 pots for a living) then you might get bored, but I doubt very much they are bored just more of a look during thought process.

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All I'm sayin is that it wouldn't hurt them to show it a little more often. Focusing on a hand being played, I get that. Studying a hand when you're not involved in it? I get that, too. Having a dead-silent, somber mood at the table all the time? Don't get that. I mean there is lots of "dead-time" at the table -- dealer change, shuffling, waitress comes by, dealer pushing the pots (to me ), whatever. No need to have a complete silent, morose mood at the table all the time.

All I can do is compare MY experiences. When I play low-limit LIMIT poker, most of the people at the table seem to genuinely be having a good time. There's usually light chit-chat, some laughing and kidding around once in awhile, and at least the appearance that the players are having a good time and on friendly terms with each other. In my experience, it's generally not that way at the NL tables I play at.

I'm not really sure exactly why this is. Perhaps people are new to the game and, therefore, tense? Maybe they are playing above their bankroll and out of their financial comfort-zone? I don't know, but there must be some reason for the difference. Even those that take the game seriously should realize, I would think, that if you keep it a little bit lighter at the tables, you'll attract more casual players which has got to be good for your bottom-line.

Poker Orifice said:

Really? I got a completely different impression (but seems we 'read' situations differently quite often). To me it sounds like OP likes the game but is sick of bein' around the types you'll find playing the game. (< maybe I'm wrong?)

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Yeah I notice we often have a completely different opinion which is fine but to me it seems he's whining about how players "act" or "like they are on TV" or "Have to think about weather to fold an $11.00 pot"

As to me it's implying because the amounts aren't what they are on TV or the amounts of money being played are not worthy of thought/serious play and that it makes the decisions easier and basically assuming people should just gamble/have fun and take each decision as fun and not seriously where I just disagree. Each limit I play, I like to play each game of poker (Unless I'm having the odd time where I'm just having complete fun * Usually freeroll) but I will take a decision seriously in a micro game and a live game which is small stakes.

When I looked at his post, I saw his thread/post history and it's the same sort of titles "The same, same players" "Yet another player who think he's on TV" and that sort of thing.. just annoys me.

Big_Rudy said:

All I'm sayin is that it wouldn't hurt them to show it a little more often. Focusing on a hand being played, I get that. Studying a hand when you're not involved in it? I get that, too. Having a dead-silent, somber mood at the table all the time? Don't get that. I mean there is lots of "dead-time" at the table -- dealer change, shuffling, waitress comes by, dealer pushing the pots (to me ), whatever. No need to have a complete silent, morose mood at the table all the time.

All I can do is compare MY experiences. When I play low-limit LIMIT poker, most of the people at the table seem to genuinely be having a good time. There's usually light chit-chat, some laughing and kidding around once in awhile, and at least the appearance that the players are having a good time and on friendly terms with each other. In my experience, it's generally not that way at the NL tables I play at.

I'm not really sure exactly why this is. Perhaps people are new to the game and, therefore, tense? Maybe they are playing above their bankroll and out of their financial comfort-zone? I don't know, but there must be some reason for the difference. Even those that take the game seriously should realize, I would think, that if you keep it a little bit lighter at the tables, you'll attract more casual players which has got to be good for your bottom-line.

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Some people have the thought and rightly so that they shouldn't indulge in any chat as it gives to much away, but others like DN think the opposite which is also fine. I think it's player dependent.

People, even at low limit tables like to see what others are doing and not interested in socialising with them, they just want their money


I'm like you, I like to have chitchat, banter etc but I totally understand ones who don't as this makes them more comfortable in their game and so on.

ramdeebam said:

Yeah I notice we often have a completely different opinion which is fine but to me it seems he's whining about how players "act" or "like they are on TV" or "Have to think about weather to fold an $11.00 pot"

As to me it's implying because the amounts aren't what they are on TV or the amounts of money being played are not worthy of thought/serious play and that it makes the decisions easier and basically assuming people should just gamble/have fun and take each decision as fun and not seriously where I just disagree. Each limit I play, I like to play each game of poker (Unless I'm having the odd time where I'm just having complete fun * Usually freeroll) but I will take a decision seriously in a micro game and a live game which is small stakes.

When I looked at his post, I saw his thread/post history and it's the same sort of titles "The same, same players" "Yet another player who think he's on TV" and that sort of thing.. just annoys me.

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I didn't read his other posts so was just assuming stuff.. based on my own experience > grow tired of alot of the people I see at live games.

This thread here is sort of like what I was referring to . https://www.cardschat.com/forum/community-hangout-4/live-poker-video-207104/ (bump-worthy imo)

ramdeebam said:

People, even at low limit tables like to see what others are doing and not interested in socialising with them, they just want their money

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Yeah, I get that. It's just my opinion that they'd have an easier time actually getting their money if they were willing to chat them up a bit and lighten the mood at the table a little. For whatever reason, that's not the way it usually is though and I think that can make poker less fun for those who are only trying to play recreationally.

Look at it this way.... Which would you rather do.... If you had to choose one.... lose a pot to a guy who has been friendly to you, at least off-and-on throughout the night, who you've had bits of pleasant conversation with here and there, or to the other guy who has not said a word all night, has deliberated and/or showboated over every decision, and just generally stares everyone down all night and makes no attempt to be friendly?

Assume you lose the same amount either way. Which do you choose? Seems like those who want to take the game seriously could/should take advantage of this on a meta-game level and generally be a little friendlier at the tables.

Maybe its just where I am but iv never really run into any douchebags that could actually play. For the most part it was a slightly older crowd of casino regs who all knew each other and were always polite to newcomers and casual players who talked a bit much but were always fun and nice neough.

The few douchebags i have seen tend to just spew money into the table, so that makes up for their rudeness. Being rude to people is clearly -ev, as is being rude to the dealer. being nice to people while playing makes the whole game more enjoyable, especially for the casual players who are mainly there for the social aspect rather than to win.

@PO, just watched the vid.....LOVED IT

@Duggs, generally don't don't have a problem with outright rudeness or arrogance where I play, once in awhile, but not the norm. I'm talking about its generally like sitting at a table full of rocks that neither move, speak, nor do anything all night long.

duggs said:

Being rude to people is clearly -ev, as is being rude to the dealer. being nice to people while playing makes the whole game more enjoyable, especially for the casual players who are mainly there for the social aspect rather than to win.

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Bingo. My thoughts exactly. I often wonder why more serious or wanna-be serious players don't encourage this type of atmosphere at the table. Seems win/win to me.

Big_Rudy said:

@Duggs, generally don't don't have a problem with outright rudeness or arrogance where I play, once in awhile, but not the norm. I'm talking about its generally like sitting at a table full of rocks that neither move, speak, nor do anything all night long.

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I dont find people hugely quiet outside of hands so there is usually a little chatter at the tables, however i kind of disagree with you here, alot of casual players love to come sit down and be all tense/excited/nervous and quiet while hands are going on, as long as someone is nice if they say something. Quiet games are fine as long as it isnt an unfriendly atmosphere, which are two quite different things

duggs said:

I dont find people hugely quiet outside of hands so there is usually a little chatter at the tables, however i kind of disagree with you here, alot of casual players love to come sit down and be all tense/excited/nervous and quiet while hands are going on, as long as someone is nice if they say something. Quiet games are fine as long as it isnt an unfriendly atmosphere, which are two quite different things

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I suppose it's just a difference in preferences. I play in games that are generally VERY quiet/tense even though it's usually $1/2. Personally, I'd like a little more liveliness or light banter around the table. If I do notice a downright rude atmosphere, I'm usually not long for that table.