Play Poker - Friend or foe?
There are many reasons for playing poker for cash, and some equally good reasons why this is maybe a game you should avoid. It very much comes down to the motivations of each individual and individual preference. 
Poker isn't going to be for everyone.
Let's get the obvious out of the way, gambling is fun, as is the chance to win money in any game. I can play squash and tennis, I have been running in the past and am pretty good with a snooker cue. Having said that, i don't have a particularly good track record in Squash, so why do i play? A sucker for punishment? Well maybe. In truth, i want to get better at the game, it's good exercise and i enjoy the game. It's no more complicated than that. You need to find similar motivation when considering poker. Are you in it just for the money, or do you really enjoy the game? What are your drivers? The reason for the question is that if you are in it just for the money, you will not be as good as players who really take the game seriously, study it and are spend more time improving their game. As a consequence, there is every chance that these players will be better skilled than you, which is counter productive in respect of winning money in the long run.
Poker also has an appeal due to the wide variety of emotions that players experience when playing. The adrenaline rush of winning a big pot or making a final table can be exhilarating whereas the the anguish of losing a monster pot to some plonker, who catches his miracle card on the river, can be soul destroying. As long as there is an element of luck all you can do is get your money in with the best cards and hope your cards hold up. Sometimes your cards will pay and other times, they won't, simple as that. That however is the game and the part of the game you need to accept if you are to be successful.
You will see the best and worst of people at the tables. In reality, a couple of hours of poker will give you more highs and lows than you would normally see in a day. You might be sad, happy, angry and ecstatic all in a single hand. Poker is emotionally stimulating (as is gambling) which only strengthens the hold it has on some people.
The fact of the matter is, if you are good at poker, it is profitable, IF you have the motivation and take the time to learn how to play winning poker. Some people say money can't buy you happiness. I agree in principle, however it does help, especially in this day and age.
The Social Aspect of Poker
Cards is also a very social game and suited to me, an extravert by nature. I enjoy the diverse crowds that you get at the table. This broad interaction is a big plus for me and many others as I genuinely enjoy meeting and getting to know people.
The game really is as challenging as you make it.
There's no limit on how much time you spend at the tables and no limit on how much studying 
you
do of the game. However take note that poker is like everything else you will do in life. Play golf
and in time you will get better and better. Start swimming and in time you will be better swimmer than when you started. Think of it like this - would you believe me if i said that the time that won Gold in the Olympic 100 Meters ten years ago would not even get an athlete qualification today? One of the
key drivers in putting together a web site like Top15Poker was to put the learning and knowledge of myself and my team so that you can benefit from areas that we have had the misfortune of stumbling on. One of my favorite quotes is by poker author writer David Sklansky- "If I know something more
about the game than my opponent, then I will eventually win all his money".
The competitive element
This is another big reason as to why people enjoy the game so much. Poker is incredibly competitive. It's man against man, a psychological duel, battle of the wits. On the flip side, you need to keep your feet on the ground. Don't get carried away and always play within your means. The mere fact that it is so competitive makes it more difficult to make money in poker. A competitive streak without the skill and you could land yourself in hot water. It takes a bigger man to know when he's beat.
Reasons why not to play poker
Do not play if you have a gambling problem. Whilst many argue that poker is not gambling - there is plenty of risk to your money. The game is not a method to get rich, nor should losses be seen as cash that you needs to be recouped by betting bigger. Play within your means at all times and take losses on the chin. Sometimes you have to walk away and say, it just wasn't my day. Similarly, you should avoid the game if you are impatient. Patience is an important aspect and failure to respect this will lead to you playing more hands than you should and ultimately gifting money.
Getting Started
If you have decided that i have given enough reasons to play poker and are looking to get straight into the action, check out our poker games section. For each game online you will see poker room comparisons along with poker room reviews and of course, exclusive sign up bonuses and bonus codes for you.
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