Play Poker - Why You should play
There are many reasons for playing poker for cash, and some equally good reasons to find another hobby. It very much comes down to the motivations of each individual. Understanding whether you have the right motivations is perhaps the starting point.
Let's get the obvious out of the way, gambling is fun. 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 very good track record in Squash, so why do i play? Well, want to get better and i enjoy the game. This is an important motivation when considering poker. Are you in it just for the money or do you enjoy the challenge of learning to do something well? If it is the former, this isn't sufficient motivation on it's own as you will be up against players who study the game with a passion. As a consequence, there is every chance that these players will be better skilled than you, which isn't conducive to winning money in poker.
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 really is a great feeling whereas the the anguish of losing a monster pot to some idiot, 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 hold up and other times, a turn of a card will deliver an unbelievable bad beat. That however is the game.
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 money can buy you three holidays a year and first class tickets to get you there. Money doesn't buy you happiness but it certainly helps to have it.
The Social Aspect of Poker
Poker 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 enjoy meeting all walks of life.
Poker really is as challenging as you make it. There is not a 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? Well it's a fact. 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 our learning's (or mishaps). 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".
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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