Why Do I Play Poker?

Everyone loves an optimist.  Their enthusiasm is contagious.  They’re go-getters.

You know what?  I’ve had an assload of optimists lately.  And truthfully, the only place I want to see them is at the poker tables. Preferably, with their optimistic fucking mouths shut.

Here’s why? They’ll optimistically go to the ATM machine way more times than they’ll make that miracle one -outer.

If it’s so easy, then why do I sound so mad?  Thanks for asking. I get tired of hearing how optimism and enthusiasm are the be all end all of everything.  Everyone thinks those qualities are great. What about their cousins greed and self-delusion?  Well, they’re connected.  Alan Schoonmaker, Ph.D, put it best in his book, “Your Worst Poker Enemy“- “Destructive emotion #1: Hope”

Here’s the big secret.  Poker is really about things not happening.   Top pair on the flop usually holds up.  Make all the optimists pay dearly for their sunny outlooks.

Don’t get me wrong, I have my optimistic moments.  I’m basically a long term optimist, short term pessimist. Both in poker and in life.

I play poker to watch the optimists drown in their own hope.

Why do you play? Let me know at stories@whydoiplaypoker.net