Play Poker - Why You should play

Why play poker? That's a good question. Poker is a rich and varied game which is why poker is played across so many countries, races and social levels. Taking a look at the bigger picture (particularly in America) Poker is played for marbles and pennies among primary school friends and played for millions of dollars among the rich and flush. Online poker is played in every imaginary corner across the globe (ironically except America!). It is played in High school dormitories, work, clubs, prison, casinos, hotels, poker rooms, round the friends houses, brothels. you name it. Ok i'll concede the brothel although i think you would be surprised. I think they are probably busy at work but the rest is a dead cert. You know where i'm going with this. Anywhere that you have money, some willing bodies and a deck of cards, you can be sure you will find a game of poker on the go.

Why play poker above the thousands of other past times or professions you can choose from? It is a worthwhile question to ask. What's the craze all about? It could be that you dream of playing poker with the worlds best in the World Poker Tour events, World Series of Poker or the many European events that unlike other professions, you can play if you can afford the entrance fee. It could be that you want to play only as a hobby or it could be the money is the motivation (best mix that one with a like/love of the game). Either way there are endless other things you could be doing with your time, so why poker? Many of my friends play Squash, snooker, Tennis, swim, hill walk, play golf (too long a list to go down this avenue) whilst others are into their fitness and run every day. Different things for different people..

Lets 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 (Must be the Scotsman in me - when in Rome). I get beaten all the time at squash but I enjoy it (the game that is- not getting beaten). I enjoy it so I play it, it is no more complicated than that. I play poker because i enjoy it, there is no difference and no further reasoning should be needed. The point however (not just with poker) is if you enjoy doing something, then do it. You don't need any other reasoning. I might add that if your past time is beating up ladies.. well i'm not talking about you here and you should definitely take up poker regardless - i'll see you at the tables.

A piece of advice I will give you is not to play poker just because everyone else is playing. If you have a lack of patience or you are just playing it to pass time without any real interest, you will very likely lose money so be careful. Remember there are players out there who do this for a living playing day and night and do live and breathe the game. You will not stand a chance against these people unless you are equally committed. When you play, learn the game first. Read our poker guides and know the basics before you play. We have all the rules of poker of every known poker game and we also compare poker rooms for all online poker games.

We as people, have a good many emotions that are part of our day to day lives. No one has a blast all of the time, that's life. Life always throws us a curve ball and usually when we least expect it. Ups and downs are all part of life. A well known saying is that "Poker is like a microcosm of life". I couldn't agree more and this only adds to the attraction. Poker has its ups and downs, some which you can control, and some that you cannot. The adrenaline rush of winning a big pot is certainly a great feeling. The anguish of losing a big pot to someone who has made the worst decisions throughout the hand and got lucky on the river is tough, so much so that it can really test your control. Lets get something out of the way, that's poker and the fact that you cannot win all of the time (even Gus Hansen!) - get used to it. If you can't take it then take up something else. A poker player cannot count the number of bad beats that they have had but one thing you can be sure of - every player has had and will continue to have bad beats! That's 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 many people will experience in a year. You might be sad, happy, angry and ecstatic all in a single hand. Poker is emotionally stimulating as is gambling, a reason why gambling has such a strong hold over some people.

The fact of the matter is, if you are good at Poker, it is profitable. Learn the game and read up on poker strategy, oh and play and you will likely make money (and this is always a good thing). Some people say money can't buy you happiness. I agree in principle but money can buy you 4 holidays a year and first class tickets to take you there. Money doesn't buy you happiness but it can put you on the right road.

Why Play Poker - The Social Aspect

Poker is also a very social game and very suited to me, an extravert by nature. I enjoy the diverse crowds that you get at the table. The nine other players at the table may consist of a gypsy, butcher, bus driver, a fisherman, lawyer, bookie, pimp, a DJ, bouncer and a student. 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 10 years ago would not even get an athlete qualification today? Well its 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 'wisdom'. 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".

Although poker appears very simple it is incredibly complex and there is so much you can learn. The concept of information to improve your game is our inspiration in what is Top 15 Poker. We hope this is the game for you and equally hope we have given you the some very good reasons to help you decide whether this is the game for you.

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 online poker room reviews and of course exclusive sign up bonuses and bonus codes for you. Enjoy.