This is not the normal poker post. It’s one of self reflection, life, job responsibilities, family, age, overview. I have been involved in the poker industry for a very long time…most of my adult life. Pretty? Not sure how to evaluate that. I’ve had my share of ‘bad beats’, yet along with those, I’ve been included in and privy to glimpses into the lives of others.

Everyone really wants to win. It’s not just about the $$$ amount. Sometimes it’s just about being someone, being somewhere and being recognized, being able to deal with yourself and liking what you see at the end of the day.

The game of poker is the game of life. We make mistakes, we win, we lose, we come back another day and try to conquer our demons and vanquish all that stand before us so we can be the ‘king of the hill’. While we make this trip, we must surpass many obstacles…most of those obstacles are within ourselves. If we learn nothing from the past, we can never progress to the future. If we live only for the moment, we can never better ourselves. If we see the overview, the big picture, then we truly begin to understand what it’s all about.

It is possible to take someone’s money at the table, laugh, keep them entertained, feel good about ourselves, and come back tomorrow to do the same thing. What about the times when everything we do is wrong…our timing is off; we know it yet we can’t correct it? What if we really aren’t mean or malicious…we just came to play the game? What if we know how to play…we just can’t win? What if winning is the difference between a hot shower and bed or sleeping in the car/street? What if poker has taken control of our being and we sacrifice our family, security, selves just to play the game?

All those factors are what constitutes a game of poker. Some of us take a seat because we are lonely and know no one will voluntarily spend time with us. Some of us play because we believe we are the best qualified to take the money. Some of us play because we feel we deserve to be punished and losing is part of the game. Some of us play because we know the law of averages, the $$ amount, our bankroll, our ability to overcome all of it, is really what the game is all about.

Then we come to the most painful part of all of it…what is important? A poker win? Bluffing your opponent? Leaving with a win? Steaming? Control…as in demanding and overbearing to the dealer, cocktails, the brush, etc.? Losing? Winning? Putting everyone in their place? Holding up the game and play because you’re the most important person at the table?

Very seldom that anyone ever really gets into the game…the game of poker and the game of life. On 9/11/01, parents picked up their babies and moved to the back of the plane…preparing to die. Where were we? The next time you think you got a bad beat, think about that one. My heart aches with the thought.