[Skallagrim]

It is about money and it isnt. Poker has to be played with something of value at stake or it isnt really poker - I will draw to that 2 outer if I have nothing to lose. It really does not matter what's at stake though, as long as it has value to the players. The easiest way to establish value is money, but pride or prizes can work too. And it does not have to be alot of money (I play a lot of $5 SnGs) just so long as its enough money that people have a real interest in the outcome of the game. Tiger Woods is not going to play his best game when he is at a charity golf tourney with no prize, unless events happen that put his pride at stake. Poker players are the same.