T
TheShek
Rock Star
Silver Level
I posted this in my thread but wanted to post it here to generate some discussion.
I honestly don't know how people play poker as a profession. Perhaps people get lucky early on, decide it's a lot of fun and beats working for a living but then as the grind wears them down, they become unhappy. I don't see too many pro poker players who are genuinely happy, positive and upbeat people. They are often broody, snarky, abusive, and most likely depressed.
Most of the time it makes me feel unsatisfied. I do enjoy the game, but the reality is you will lose in tournaments most of the time, make a small amount of money some of the time, and win rarely. It's a recipe for depression. No wonder so many pro's say they will quit after a big score.
Maybe once upon a time, when most players were terrible, and people could make a significant amount of money and move up in stakes relatively easily, it made some people happy. But even back in those days, the majority of players were losing. Even as a recreational player, losing feels shitty.
I don't see much net positive that poker plays in people's lives. Other than a source of entertainment for those who can afford to lose, and a living for the very few who put in the time and effort to achieve that. I never recommend people play poker! I completely understand Dan Coleman's attitude after winning the Big One for One Drop. Players like Daniel Negreanu who try and steer people into the game and put this positive spin on it are morally bereft in my honest opinion. I discovered poker when I was having trouble working any longer, and initially hoped I could make some income from it but soon realise that's not possible for me. Although I did have a good run a few years ago on one particular site, and when I was winning I was enjoying playing more and could take the bad beats more easily, I was still aware that this game is not good for most people's mental health and their overall happiness in life.
I honestly don't know how people play poker as a profession. Perhaps people get lucky early on, decide it's a lot of fun and beats working for a living but then as the grind wears them down, they become unhappy. I don't see too many pro poker players who are genuinely happy, positive and upbeat people. They are often broody, snarky, abusive, and most likely depressed.
Most of the time it makes me feel unsatisfied. I do enjoy the game, but the reality is you will lose in tournaments most of the time, make a small amount of money some of the time, and win rarely. It's a recipe for depression. No wonder so many pro's say they will quit after a big score.
Maybe once upon a time, when most players were terrible, and people could make a significant amount of money and move up in stakes relatively easily, it made some people happy. But even back in those days, the majority of players were losing. Even as a recreational player, losing feels shitty.
I don't see much net positive that poker plays in people's lives. Other than a source of entertainment for those who can afford to lose, and a living for the very few who put in the time and effort to achieve that. I never recommend people play poker! I completely understand Dan Coleman's attitude after winning the Big One for One Drop. Players like Daniel Negreanu who try and steer people into the game and put this positive spin on it are morally bereft in my honest opinion. I discovered poker when I was having trouble working any longer, and initially hoped I could make some income from it but soon realise that's not possible for me. Although I did have a good run a few years ago on one particular site, and when I was winning I was enjoying playing more and could take the bad beats more easily, I was still aware that this game is not good for most people's mental health and their overall happiness in life.