Is there a more frustrating and soul destroying pastime than poker?

[Poker Plan]

Sitting there all day- catch catch any cards, and the view you do catch all get cracked by 2-4 outers without the odds.

This is not a bad beat winge- I was just after some debate on the frustration (ie delaing with it) and how individuals can drive themseves through (what can be) mental torture?

Ian

[Sabrazack]

Poker isn't for everyone.

[Pog0]

There's a big psychological difference between those who think they're in control of the game and those who think the deck is in control of the game.

[Poker Plan]

[ QUOTE ]
There's a big psychological difference between those who think they're in control of the game and those who think the deck is in control of the game.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dont get me wrong- I don't think for a second that the deck is ganging up on me or anything else like that.

It's just that after a certain period of bad cards / bad luck- there must be "some" effect on every player- I'm just interested in how if effects different people.

I think it's something you can learn to handle better.

Ian

[RydenStoompala]

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a more frustrating and soul destroying pastime than poker?

[/ QUOTE ]

Some possibles:

- Stu Unger's investment advisor
- a lint salesman
- Phil Helmuth's drinking buddy
- a crack whore
- being married to a crack whore
- the guy who has to clean the washrooms at Soldier Field
- any job at NASCAR
- any job at FOX News
- a professional golfer stuck two strokes to Tiger Woods with four to play
- Phil Ivy's gambling coach
- a waitress with no boobs livig on tips and working at the Wynn.

I'm tired, so I could only think of a few.

[john kane]

i agree with the OP. no matter how hard to you try to play well, you still cant force a session to be a winner, which, imo is very frustrating.

this summer has taught me i never want to turn pro and am sodding happy my parents made sure i didnt quit university a couple of years ago so ill have a half decent degree.

unless your making shed loads of money its a pretty soul destroying activity.

[surfinillini]

[ QUOTE ]
Poker isn't for everyone.

[/ QUOTE ]

[Kilillan]

[ QUOTE ]
shed loads of money

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[Dan.]

Nope, poker is pretty much the cruelest joke on man.

[Mygtar]

I have had the same feeling after an extended string of losses.

A few things that helped me are:

Try to think of the losses as one hand of a long (lifetime)session.
Have other activities and interests outside of poker.
Try to improve your game.
Move down a level if you feel as though you cannot beat the limit you are in. Doing this will increase your bankroll and poker self-esteem.
Meditation, eating correctly and regular exercise will also have a positive effect on your outlook.

Best of luck,
Mygtar