Why do we play poker? Why do so many of us look forward to an evening of poker at the local casino, online, or with friends in a home game? Well I had an opportunity to get some answers from an especially brilliant gentleman who happens to be a super poker player and has been playing winning poker for about 50 years.
A while back I told you a bit about Arizona Stu - undoubtedly one of the best non-pro poker players around. (He made sound investments during his working career so he doesn't need to play poker to provide the means for a comfortable lifestyle for himself and his family - and still contribute to his favorite charities.) I'm willing to bet he could hold his own and probably beat the best of the so-called professional poker players in one-on-one competition.
Arizona Stu is a remarkable person; and I am not surprised that he is a winner at the poker tables. He has the logical mind and understanding of probability theory (card odds and pot odds) of an experienced engineer or scientist, the aggressiveness and "heart" of an entrepreneur (which he was before he retired from his advertising business about 25 years ago), and the ability of a master psychologist to "read" his opponents.
He was in town for a few days and I had the opportunity to chat with him without any diversions - although his span of attention is somewhat limited. (That may come with old age. He's approaching 80 years of age.)
So I asked him right out: "Arizona Stu, why do you play poker?"
I wondered if his reasons for playing poker - mostly Texas hold'em and an occasional Omaha hi/lo game- were essentially the same as mine. I knew that his response would give me - and perhaps you too - good insight into why I and so many other people play the game.
Without hesitation, he replied: "For entertainment." Playing poker is a great way to enjoy one's self. "I take great pleasure in playing poker," he added.
"The mental challenge is a big factor. I like being challenged," he said. It's exciting to face up to a problem and have to make a decision, to consider all the options and try to make the wisest decision. Poker certainly offers more than its share of mental challenges. . .
Then too, he went on, "playing poker is a wonderful diversion - an escape from day-to-day issues." That's certainly true: The world's problems are far removed when you are absorbed in the game. He does enjoy winning. One reason for playing poker, he said, was to win. "I feel good when I win!" (Don't we all. . .) "I get an emotional high. It's like a shot of adrenaline." If he has been playing for several hours and it's about time to go home for the night but he's a few dollars behind, he would rather stay on a bit longer to try to go home a winner. (That sounds very familiar, doesn't it?) Finally, he added, "playing poker keeps my mind alert." Yes, in order to play WINNING poker, you must be attentive and observant. You have to be aware of your opponents' strengths and weaknesses. You need to take into consideration the card odds and the pot odds, your betting position, the kind of players at the table, how many are still in the pot - so you can make the wisest decisions. He did say that he doesn't go to the casino with that goal in mind, but playing poker does indeed exercise his brain and that can only be a plus.
Well, I must admit, Arizona Stu gave us lots of good reasons for playing poker.
I agree with all of his comments. . . . So, readers, what's YOUR opinion?
