Poker: Passion or Addiction?

[shaftman11]

Well, as long as it doesn't start to affect other areas of your life I think you good. As for me, poker is a bit of an obsession. That being said, it doesn't affect my job (I play for fun), I still pay my bills, I don't spend money that I can't afford to lose, and when I do lose I don't try to catch up with bill money. Therefore, I think that I have a very healthy obsession with my main hobby.

[Julio]

while i do adhere to the notion of "playing for fun" and "only playing what can be lost" it does contradict somewhat to the notion of "playing to win"

i guess there's a very delicate balancing act one must make with poker

[phydaux]

Winning player = Passion

Losing player = Addiction

[grapabo]

Caveat: I'm not a pro by any means.

However, if you are considering taking this up as a long-term money-making enterprise, I would imagine you'll have to draw up the equivalent of a business plan, where you set tangible goals geared toward a long-term enterprise. That way, you have a good idea of where you're at, and whether you're successful or not.

If it's just for fun, then the rule of "bet with your head, not over it" will apply.

[DQuadfather]

[ QUOTE ]
Winning player = Passion

Losing player = Addiction

[/ QUOTE ]

Some time after first starting to play, sure. I don't think anyone starts out as a winning player, which would imply all novices are simply addicts.

IMO, if you're playing at your limit, can afford your losses, and are exercising control over your relationship with the game, I'd say that's more indicative of passion than addiction. Addiction, after all, implies a lack of control.