M
Marc Padula
Rising Star
Bronze Level
(I'm currently in the process of writing a poker-book/guide, and the following is an excerpt from my introduction. Enjoy!)
To be, or not to be (a poker-player)?
Before we get into observations and strategies, I think it's important to highlight some of the realism's regarding long-term poker playing. Most players, specifically newer ones, tend to glorify the poker experience (I know I did.) Often these new players, when considering the game of poker, will conjure-up a mental picture of a well-dressed man, sitting behind a mountain of chips, staring intently into the eyes of his opponent. Yet, most of the time, this couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, you'll be sitting in an old chair, for long periods of time, watching and waiting patiently for the right moment. Furthermore, regardless of how talented and skilled you become, there is no guarantee that at the end of the day you'll be winning; and, very few things sap your soul like grinding out an eighteen hour poker session, only to lose substantial winnings in the last hour to a bad-beat. Hence, life-long moments of glory are usually seldom in comparison to the unpleasant realities, but I suppose that could be said about any type of employment. Just don't be mistaken, playing poker requires hard-work, effort, patience, and emotional-control. After all, we're not James Bond, and this isn't Casino Royale.
So, why do I bring this all up? Just to be a “Debbie-Downer?” Absolutely not. I mention this for one reason in particular: if you don't love the journey of playing poker, the good and the bad, it's doubtful you'll maintain the necessary fortitude it requires to be a professional poker player. Consequently, those who are motivated solely by the thought of easy money, or being their own boss, will most likely fall by the wayside, moved aside by those who have real passion for poker. Passion is one of the most powerful motivating tools we have as human-beings, perhaps only second to fear, and without it your poker-journey might not bear fruit.
To be, or not to be (a poker-player)?
Before we get into observations and strategies, I think it's important to highlight some of the realism's regarding long-term poker playing. Most players, specifically newer ones, tend to glorify the poker experience (I know I did.) Often these new players, when considering the game of poker, will conjure-up a mental picture of a well-dressed man, sitting behind a mountain of chips, staring intently into the eyes of his opponent. Yet, most of the time, this couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, you'll be sitting in an old chair, for long periods of time, watching and waiting patiently for the right moment. Furthermore, regardless of how talented and skilled you become, there is no guarantee that at the end of the day you'll be winning; and, very few things sap your soul like grinding out an eighteen hour poker session, only to lose substantial winnings in the last hour to a bad-beat. Hence, life-long moments of glory are usually seldom in comparison to the unpleasant realities, but I suppose that could be said about any type of employment. Just don't be mistaken, playing poker requires hard-work, effort, patience, and emotional-control. After all, we're not James Bond, and this isn't Casino Royale.
So, why do I bring this all up? Just to be a “Debbie-Downer?” Absolutely not. I mention this for one reason in particular: if you don't love the journey of playing poker, the good and the bad, it's doubtful you'll maintain the necessary fortitude it requires to be a professional poker player. Consequently, those who are motivated solely by the thought of easy money, or being their own boss, will most likely fall by the wayside, moved aside by those who have real passion for poker. Passion is one of the most powerful motivating tools we have as human-beings, perhaps only second to fear, and without it your poker-journey might not bear fruit.
