[deacsoft]

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I think your post is more relevant to those who've been through the swings a couple times and came through it. Not for someone experiencing the swing for the first time or 2.

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I agree with the point that this is geared more towards someone experienced. They should simply just know better. However, I believe that it may be somewhat relevant to new players too. Allow me to explain this point.

Anyone who wants to start playing poker should do their homework first. Even more rare than the royal flush is a player with no idea who starts playing and becomes a long-term winning player. Again, you need to do your homework first. You read a couple books, post and read on these forums, etc. To maximise your ability to learn and understand you must do some research first. Poker is not set up to be a trial and error game. It is easy to lose and get discouraged early on without the proper mind-set and education. Study up and know what you're getting into. Prepare yourself. They don't grab people off the streets and send them to Iraq. They train them first. Because of this training their chance to survive and be effective in times of war is increased exponentially. So, if you've trained yourself you should have an idea of what to expect. You should know that downswings happen to everyone. You should also know that over time the laws of probability will hold true (or at least close to it). If they are not you have leaks in your game that you have not identified.

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Is it really fair to hold them to a standard when they've never approached the obstacle before? Or don't have that much personal experience with it?

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With an understanding of the correct approach to playing poker, I believe it is. Put some work in to get positive results. It is no ones fault but thier own if they're going into poker blindly. Like everything else in life, there is nothing free in poker. Poker is preformance based. The more work you put into it the better your potential earnings. If they're looking for hand-outs they're looking in the wrong place. Everything I've achieved and every cent I've made in poker is a direct result of countless hours preparation and hard work.

Again, you can't just dive in and expect to win. Do yourself the favor and do your homework first. This will provide you with the best oppertunity to play well and win early on. To do it any other way is just foolish.

(side note to bernie: The aduience I'm addressing in this post changes several times. Much of this I'm not directing at you even though this is a response to your post.)