11/28/2005 Archived Entry: "The Meaning of Poker"

Poker is fun. That's why we play it every week. It's a good excuse for people to get together to have a good time in each other's company. The money is purely secondary. 20-30$ isn't too bad, it falls in line with the cost of an average night out. Losing should not be a big deal to anyone who has a job, although winning does make a significant difference since we're talking at least 60$/game. It could cover the cost of new pants, or a motorola razr, or perhaps even some bad poker nights.

That said, I definately don't want to see anyone losing every week as that tends to get expensive. Similarily, I hate the thought of 1 person winning every week. As I've said, it's not about the money, but over the large period of time we've been playing losing/winning every week would certainly add up to a lot of moolah.

Our group at least doesn't have 1 dominant player (instead we have a small group of dominant players), but I'm generally happy with the mix of skillz to be found. But imagine the dynamics of a group wherein only 1 person always won, no one would want to continue playing in such a situation. Gambling means at least some chance of winning. The worse though are dominant players who aren't gracious winners. No one wants to give money to an asshole week in, week out, do they? There's simply no fun in poker games between friends where there is only a cut throat atmosphere and an "I only came to take your money" attitude.

Personally, I would be happy to win just enough times to cover my poker losses. If I break even over the long run, I have no problems with that. I'd love to see everyone win at least once so that they are encouraged to continue playing, and hopefully improve their game, than seeing people lose constantly to a point of discouragement and quitting.

Replies: 19 comments

That said...time for Gosia to win! :D

Posted by Gosia @ 11/28/2005 08:35 PM EST

You'll never win!! BWAHAHA!

well, you already won once, isn't that enough?!

Posted by Rayne @ 11/29/2005 12:28 AM EST

Gosia, you keep improving...its only a matter of time...;)!

Posted by dAN @ 11/29/2005 11:54 AM EST

Weekly poker is expensive, even if you have a job. Assuming 10$ a week, that's 40$. That's about a tank of gas for me. Or a weeks grocery.

Still though, I'll never forget that night at the casino where I made 80$ on blackjack. That was awesome.

Posted by djkimothy @ 11/29/2005 01:08 PM EST

Kim, I would have to disagree. Besides going to see a movie or eating at a fast food restaurant, you would be hard pressed to find any outing that's less expensive.

Posted by dAN @ 11/29/2005 04:26 PM EST

I want to play poker when I come back for xmas break!!!

SUGOI!

And I totally agree w/ rayne's post, to have everyone win every now and then would make 'poker night' more enjoyable for me.. in fact, I think it'd be more enjoyable (imo) than me winning over and over (that doesnt happen, but im just saying).

Posted by Dave @ 11/29/2005 06:46 PM EST

you assume you're invited?

Posted by Rayne @ 11/29/2005 08:55 PM EST

Fine, don't invite me :P

I have WoW now!

Posted by Dave @ 11/30/2005 03:31 PM EST

Well Dan, I don't go to movies on a weekly basis. And I do't eat out. If I go out it's usually once every 2-3 weeks. Obviously I have to budget my money (and time!) as paying rent/gas/food/insurance/computer related stuff is expensive.

Most of my outings are usually free, like I'll go see my little brother's hockey game and such. But rarely do I go out to see a movie at the theatres anymore. Ask amber, it's just to god damn expensive, 20$ for two people is too much. But I promised amber i'd take her to the movies as we haven't seen one since September.

So yes gambling, even if it's 20$ a week is expensive.

Posted by djkimothy @ 11/30/2005 03:34 PM EST

Depressing...

Posted by dAN @ 11/30/2005 03:48 PM EST

kim, you have a brother? weird.

Posted by dennis @ 11/30/2005 04:51 PM EST

20$ for two at a movie? Try 28$ for two to go to the Imax...that was pricey!

40$ a month is nothing when you have a full time job. I mean people put 40$ a month into cell phones they rarely use, at least with the 40$ of poker you know you are going to get time and enjoyment out of it; most things costing 40$ in a month barely give you an hours worth.

Posted by Mike @ 12/01/2005 09:23 AM EST

The Collosus on Richmond is expensive in general. I remember paying something like 15$ for Fellowship of the Ring.

I too did not know that Kim had a brother. Though I may have...don't really remember. There must be a big age gap.

Posted by Rayne @ 12/01/2005 11:47 AM EST

Yah Dennis, an adopted brother. Not too long ago.

Posted by djkimothy @ 12/01/2005 03:22 PM EST

"40$ a month is nothing when you have a full time job. I mean people put 40$ a month into cell phones they rarely use, at least with the 40$ of poker you know you are going to get time and enjoyment out of it; most things costing 40$ in a month barely give you an hours worth."

Internet on cable is around that much. I'd rather budget for that than poker.

But of course, I'm only being hard on myself cause I'm still a student. Even though I'm a grad student with an OGS scholarship. My pay significantly dips come May so saving money, even with gratuities, is constantly on my mind.

Posted by djkimothy @ 12/01/2005 03:27 PM EST

The Final Four is one of the biggest sporting events of the year March Madness Final Four at the RCA Dome Indianapolis, Indiana April 1st and April 3rd, 2006

Posted by final four tickets @ 01/12/2006 04:51 AM EST

Daytona International Speedway is the house of "The Great American Race" -- the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 is the main, richest, and most important race in America

Posted by DAYTONA 500 TICKETS @ 01/17/2006 11:45 PM EST

Jam Session - Your ticket to NBA All-Star action - with over 350,000 square feet of interactive basketball activities, meet NBA

Posted by Nba All Star Game Tickets @ 01/19/2006 02:43 AM EST

coolcoolhu coolhu

Posted by coolhu @ 01/20/2006 06:51 PM EST