Perspective.
What drives us to love this game? Was it Chris Moneymaker’s rags to riches story? Is it the lure of possible fame and fortune? Is it the competition? Is it the camaraderie? Or is it something else, something chemical perhaps?
For me, I think it is a combination of all these things. EVERYBODY loves to watch an underdog win. When I first saw the ESPN coverage of the WSOP and saw Moneymaker win it, I was immediately drawn in. Where else can a nobody become a champion at the highest level? It won’t happen in basketball, football or golf. (But then again, I REFUSE to call this game a sport. It’s a game people!). This caused me to watch the newly produced poker shows as often as possible. Next, I wanted to try some live action so I asked Spadebeats to host a game. One thing led to another and the next thing you know I was spending money on poker chips, tables, and book after book. That was a year ago.
Now here I am. I’ve had varying degrees of success. I’ve won a couple 500 player tournies online and made a few bucks. But in the long run, I’m definitely down. Can I afford to keep playing? Yes. I don’t play for more than my wallet allows. Am I just as into this game as I was a year ago? Yes.
But………
What happens if something in the everyday routine changes? What if your job or working hours change? What happens if you enter into a new relationship or have a child?
Recently, something else has demanded a large portion of my free time. Poker has been moved down a bit on my list of important things to do. I am a bit relieved. For awhile there I truly thought I had a problem. I played poker A LOT. Several hours, each and every day. However, I haven’t recently had the urge to play all the time because of this new addition to my everyday routine. Maybe it wasn’t that I was addicted to the game but it was that I truly enjoyed it and had nothing better to do with my spare time. Not playing as often will definitely effect my game, but what it really does is put things in perspective.
I love poker. I still have those dreams of someday winning a huge major tournament and getting my ugly picture in some magazine. I still day dream about being a millionaire. I will still play poker. Just not every free moment of every day like before.
Poker is a competitive outlet. It is me wanting to feel the exhilaration of winning, of being a champion. Poker is my present day high school football. I am Al Bundy.
Perspective. It IS just a game for most of us. With the exception of the handful that get to do it for a living, the rest of us need to continue to balance life, family, work, love, rent, etc. etc. etc. Poker can fit in there somewhere. It’s easy to be completely consumed by this game. Just remember who and what is really important in your life. Make sure those people know it.
