If you were trying to persuade a friend to start playing poker, what would you say to him?

[Veralt]

The initial point I would emphasize is to avoid equating poker with gambling. It's a considerably more intricate game than it appears, and the learning journey can be highly enjoyable.

 

[Lucho.riv9]

Well, the easier way is to introduce poker to a complete group of close friends; maybe someone gets interested in the game, and you can guide and introduce them to the beautiful aspects of poker. If you don't have many friends in common with them to do this, maybe you can show them online games while explaining some little things.

In any case, whether they get interested or not just depends on them.

Merry christmas!!! HOHOHO

 

[pentazepam]

Don't play for money - play for fun.

 

[Poker Orifice]

The initial point I would emphasize is to avoid equating poker with gambling. It's a considerably more intricate game than it appears, and the learning journey can be highly enjoyable.

Get them to watch you play online. While you're playing explain your complete thought process & include what range you're putting villain on... why you think they're doing this... or that & why you're responding with this or that, etc. etc. Point out what the other players are doing wrong (or right) in each & every hand.

Have them watch a Twitch streamer... choose a player who explains their thought processes in detail! If you're subscribed to that streamer, maybe pick a stream from a previous day so that you can pause it and explain what you'd do in each spot &/or attempt to breakdown the streamer's play.
I would recommend kurt23xx (for online NLHE Tournament play). He is talking during all of his hands, always in a good mood, never berates or belittles the other players. (tell him DonCamente sent you)

Have them watch a video where another streamer is breaking down another poker video (or another streamer's play) ie. abarone68 breaks down the Game of Gold - Poker After Dark stream

 

[rsparente]

The same I used to start, great companies use to hire people who knows poker for higher level positions, due to our better risk management with regards to decisions based on risk/return.

 

[Michel_11]

Well, I would never do something like that, because in my opinion people should choose what to do themselves.

That said, hypothetically speaking, I would show the game's mathematical questions, statistics, so my friend could see that this is not a simple card game.

 

[Wega85]

dont chase the money . have fun and just play

 

[aissam18]

Don't play for money but play for fun and enjoy it

 

[Gallarado777]

I would tell a friend to start playing poker because there are a lot of fish there and you can make money from this fish and this is not a casino so you can safely play for fun, get them and don't invest your money because you can play for free and win money so download and play

 

[Claudiunm]

Well, I have friends who spend hours and money playing games with Cand Crush. So I would show them Poker like any other hobby, but it has the potential to give you financial returns

 

[BetterThanAvgButNotByMuch]

The best poker players in world go broke since its just a game of skill (sarcasm) and a lot of them need backers to enter into tourns every year. Think about that. The best players in the entire world have those problems.

How many of those great players from the boom that we saw on the TV are still going 10-15 years later? How many do you think will be going at 20? 30 years later?

How many developed gambling addictions or drug addictions?

Forget about those extremes, how about missing time away from family because they had to grind or go on the road for a tourn?

Or they finally realized they just got sick and tired of sitting in a chair for countless hours staring at a stupid screen or traveling to a casino??

Most people are signing up to sit in a chair whether live or online to play a game that has no guaranteed return, no benefits and most people after years of playing complain they can't even beat or dread playing freerollers and microlimits!! lol.

People only see the big pots on TV and youtube but don't see the negatives of the game.

They hear the ads for the latest and greatest poker system to make them winning players and years and years later they're still talking about some situational nonsense or looking for some magic formula to make them winning players. lol.

All I'm saying is keep your eyes wide open and don't get too excited on winning a lot or going on some magical fairy tale like Moneymaker or pick your favorite player's story to emulate.

 

[Mag_P1e]

I would say: "Don't think about it, think about your nerves"

 

[Funtast]

I would never persuade anyone to do something that has:
a. a high risc of getting addicted,
b. a high risc of getting harmed or
c. a high risc of losing money.
Since poker complies with at least a and c, I wouldn´t persuade anyone to play it.

That said for conveniance, I would probably say: ".. but it´s very risky my friend, I dont know if you can handle it.."

 

[fryderyk]

Show him poker as a hobby, play without $, let him watch live tournaments. Poker is a hobby and fun, and you don't always have to play for money.

 

[black and]

The initial point I would emphasize is to avoid equating poker with gambling. It's a considerably more intricate game than it appears, and the learning journey can be highly enjoyable.

I would say that poker is a game that can bring additional income, and I would even tell him what exactly needs to be done to receive this income. But I don't have such a goal to convince my friends to start playing.

 

[chicbulls2]

You play tight and earn some money doing it

 

[dreamer13]

Most outsiders are unable to differentiate between poker and other forms of gambling, such as roulette. This is an obvious and understandable problem. We were the same before we discovered poker, so don't expect anything different from others.The key to eliminating these fears is to demonstrate the role of skill in the game methodically and in as much detail as possible. Many years ago, when my family was worried about my hobby, I did just that.

 

[takinitSLEAZEE]

I'd show them what I saw 16 yrs ago, a WPT final table. I would bill it just as it seems... A bunch of people sitting around playing cards for thousands/millions of dollars. Living on room service and final tables. Aaah, to be 30 years younger.

 

[fullclock]

I would tell him that poker is the best card game in the world and learning to play it will give you a lot of good times with friends. You will have a great excuse to get together during the week.

 

[AndyFio]

As with any activity, I would say give poker a chance and if you don’t like it, no one will force you

 

[Achrarock]

I'd highlight the strategic and social aspects of poker, emphasizing how it combines skill and psychology. Mention the thrill of making strategic decisions and the potential for developing a deeper understanding

 

[broncho]

Oh, I'd tell my friend that poker is more than just a card game – it's like a strategic adventure with a social twist. You get to sharpen your mind, reading people's intentions, and making calculated moves. It's not just about luck; it's about skill, patience, and outsmarting your opponents.

I'd highlight the thrill of those heart-pounding moments when you're bluffing or holding a winning hand. Plus, poker has this unique ability to bring people together. Whether you're playing casually with friends or diving into competitive games, it's a fantastic way to connect and have a good time.

And let's not forget the learning aspect. Poker is a game that keeps you on your toes. You're always evolving, picking up new strategies, and finding ways to improve. It's a journey that's as rewarding as the winnings themselves.

So, I'd say, give it a shot! You might discover a whole new world of excitement, challenge, and camaraderie. Who knows, you might even become the next poker sensation!

 

[rufininha14]

I would say that besides being a sport you can also make money

 

[NightStalker]

Trust me.

 

[hardongear]

I would present online poker as a great, challenging and fun hobby one can easily make a bit of extra side money from with very little worry of being cheated and scammed if one sticks to micro/low stakes. Probably one of the few hobbies around one can easily make money at with very little investment $$$ wise.

Cheers!!!