Things I've learned from poker

When I started playing poker, some lessons that I've spent a lifetime learing came into a sharper focus. Some of them in the religious realm, but a lot in the realm of common sense.

1. I've always been the guy who was looking at the unknown and saying "I need to know!" You have no idea how much trouble that has caused me, or my wife. I realized that this attitude came into play in my poker game and I was losing a ton of money. Turns out I don't need to know. I don't need to experience a beat when I know I'm beat just to verify it will hurt me. The better my poker game gets, the better I am able to eschew the things that I know I shouldn't get involved in. You may think that's dumb, but it's true.

2. Variance happens. Doing the right thing does not mean that you will be rewarded immediately. You will be taken advantage of in this life if you insist on doing the right thing. You will take life bad beats, but you are earning Skolansky bucks every time. Eventually, even if it's in eternity, the ev will even out.

3. Speaking of ev, I've learned that taking the +ev route is always the way to go. Go for it. There are so many things that I've always wanted to do that I have been scared to do. What if I fail? What if I get mocked for my desires? I have pushed for so many things that I've wanted to do for soooo long in the past few years. It is because of the things I have learned about expected value. I'll be putting out a cd hopefully semi soon. I bought all the recording equipment to make a professional sounding recording at home. Stuff like that.

4. If you love something, study it. I realized early on that I had spent more time studying poker than scripture. I made a choice at that point. If I love something I need to spend time on it. I love the Lord more than poker, I need to allow that to be seen in my actions, not just my words. Poker made me commit to studying my scripture more and get back to my first love.

5. Quit while you're ahead. Thanks for reading. Sorry it's so long.

This isn't hyperbole, I actually did learn, or reinforce, these things through my study of the game of pokerhttp://www.anteupmagazine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4065#.

Nice post I have learned alot from poker as well I think its kinda funny to see people freaking out over very small things in life and I just sit their and go bad varience bro I have also become rather emmotion-less not sure if thats A bad thing or not but their are very few things that I lose my cool over after poker.

Very thought provoking. I especially agree with number 3.

Wishing you lots of (life) rungood!

I totally agree with the fact that alot of the things you learn in poker can be applied to other things in life and I too have found focus on other aspects in my life thanks to poker. I have espcially gained alot of patience and the need to know.... oh that's a good one because that can be a big downfall in life as in poker and poker has helped me overcome that one as well. Awesome post if I say so myself. Thanks!

Nice post. Thanks for the good read.

Poker has taught me...

Always put your gas money in a separate, preferably locked, pocket. This helps to avoid the nirvana of standing at the casino exit begging for gas money to get home.

Never believe the girl sitting next to you with her hand on your thigh. This helps you to avoid waking up nekkid in an empty parking lot.

If you're watching a game on a conventional TV, and the guy across the table from you is watching the same game on an HD TV, you can make some considerable money. The conventional TV gets it's signal 3 to 4 seconds ahead of the HD.

Tip the dealers.

Always ask for a dinner comp... just ask.

Always ask for the upgrade coffee. Thus bypassing the swill.

Wear clean clothes and don't fart whilst at the table.

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^^^^ too LOL!

I completely agree with you there are sooo many aspects of my life that I have thought about more or changed because of what poker has taught me.. Thought processes, patience, and i especially like what you said about EV...

Why thank you. I'll post a song or two in the next few weeks.

great post. one thing I've learned from poker is that when you have been playing for awhile an maybe had some bad beats lost hundreds that you worked so hard for etc. that little things in life don't seem to bother you as much an the most important thing also have more value to you. I think poker has enhanced my mindset on these two things.

Among the things I've either learned or had reinforced from playing poker, the one that's top of mind is not to sweat the small stuff. For a while after I started, I used to focus too much on amounts of money that were basically meaningless in the larger context of my life / lifestyle.

Thankfully, the light went on at some point - I can't really say why - and while I'm still conservative in my BRM, I enjoy the game more because I'm far less concerned when I happen to lose money because I realize rationally and accept emotionally that even a huge downswing wouldn't be critical in my big picture.

Enjoyed this.

If you are not familiar with home recording, give me a shout. You may know your way around however, but in case....

Good luck. Write those songs, they are your forever.

What did you get? I use Logic as well as a lot of plug ins. And LOTS of guitars....lol

Two thumbs up!

Hey this is a realy good thread, this game has really even out my patience waiting in line and such and not make myself look like a douche in public by being that person. If someone is telling me something I gotta see if Im geting a proper read to make sure, if Im not, ill just check that street and see what thenext card this presents is. Also If I feel im beat in something then Im not gonna continue throwing money (meaning time, energy anything) into the pot. The only problem Ifeel im better at this in life skills than at the poker table

People in general are slobs about their hands.

Another thing I've learned as we head into the flu season, wash your hands and carry a pack of disinfectant wipes.

Everybody and their uncle has touched the cards. That lady who's eating french fries. That guy who keeps coughing in his hand. The fat guy who thinks he's hiding it when he picks his nose. Just a cesspool.

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And to post more on topic, poker has taught me more about controlling tilt than just about anything else. I stop and think much more before answering when I am irritated. I rarely get in fights anymore.... (I am 54, and that is a good thing)

And I agree about the hands thing as well. I wash my hands somewhat less than HH did, but still wash them a lot.

Tip: If you play guitar (or violin or mandolin or bass or w/e) and wash your hands a lot, get a good hand creme, and use it.

I was just thinking the same about ev yesterday, about making decisions that have the most positive impact in life. It's only through poker that I was able to think of it like that. How strange.

What a great post.... I've def. learned patience because of poker and that was something I've been sorely lacking my entire life. I've now got 80 days sober and I can say playing poker has helped that not only because it has occupied my time but because of the patience aspect. I can also relate to what you said about not needing to know...early on (years ago) it was very important for me to know what I folded against and not just for informational purposes but because I wanted to control every situation. I've learned to let go and be patient....I'm only in control of my actions....Thanks

Nice post
It has helped me remember to think before I act or speak , this is a very valuable trait in my business life.