Thoughts on poker?

[crossnote]

I saw in the paper today, it was front page news, a story about a man who won lotto 5 times but still wasn't happy.

No wonder...

John 4:13-14 (NASB) Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

 

[Skipper]

I think what a lot of laypeople don’t understand is the skill involved in poker. At the higher levels, it really isn’t nearly the same as the lottery or slot machines. Chance is still a component, of course, but there is a lot of intricate math involved and it takes a lot of study and training to really understand the game and win consistently.

A lot of the top tier pros refer to themselves as athletes and poker as a sport. I think that’s a bit much but it does raise the question of whether or not training for athletic endeavors is also sinful.

Is someone who spends hours reading books about their competitive interest or hobby really any different than someone who exercises for hours on end to train to compete against someone else in a sport? The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.

I’m just throwing it out there as food for thought.

 

[crossnote]

I think what a lot of laypeople don’t understand is the skill involved in poker. At the higher levels, it really isn’t nearly the same as the lottery or slot machines. Chance is still a component, of course, but there is a lot of intricate math involved and it takes a lot of study and training to really understand the game and win consistently.

A lot of the top tier pros refer to themselves as athletes and poker as a sport. I think that’s a bit much but it does raise the question of whether or not training for athletic endeavors is also sinful.

Is someone who spends hours reading books about their competitive interest or hobby really any different than someone who exercises for hours on end to train to compete against someone else in a sport? The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.

I’m just throwing it out there as food for thought.

My understanding of poker is that it takes a lot of reading of personality as well as the cards, and character finesse as well. The books may not help in that dept..

 

[Skipper]

My understanding of poker is that it takes a lot of reading of personality as well as the cards, and character finesse as well. The books may not help in that dept..

At the higher levels, reads and tells aren’t really relevant. Mainly because the players all know how to mask/hide their tells. Math is dominant in the game now. 10-20 years ago, reads and tells had some relevance but they’re pretty moot now. Unless you’re playing against new players or amateurs who don’t know how to conceal them.

 

[crossnote]

At the higher levels, reads and tells aren’t really relevant. Mainly because the players all know how to mask/hide their tells. Math is dominant in the game now. 10-20 years ago, reads and tells had some relevance but they’re pretty moot now. Unless you’re playing against new players or amateurs who don’t know how to conceal them.

I-N-T-E-R-E-S-T-I-N-G.

 

[Via dolarossa]

I never learned how to play card games. Did always want to learn to play poker, but never had that great an interest. Been gambling twice. Well, kind of. Wife and I went to a casino once. We joined and got $100.00. I believe I lost $80.00. Second time was at the airport in Las Vegas. Played one round with a $20,00 bill. Lost it all in on spin and called it a day. I do occasionally play the lottery, but that's a $2.00 quick pick and that is that. I guess gambling is just not my thing.

Rtm

I must admit I would go to Vegas just to see what all the fuss is about. I like busy cities. But I doubt I would gamble anything. except maybe a slice of gouda off my sandwich lol

 

[Via dolarossa]

I saw in the paper today, it was front page news, a story about a man who won lotto 5 times but still wasn't happy.

He was having problems with his latest wife. I just thought what he won Lotto 5 times how does that even happen?? The big prizes too not just $10. But this was in Australia.

He sounded like he was stingy with his winnings though..??!

NZ's unluckiest Lotto winner: How winning five times turned his life upside down

A man who won Lotto five times, scooping up millions of dollars, says money can't buy him love. Carlo Massetti, a Kiwi based in Sydney, is healing in New

www.newstalkzb.co.nz

That story is incredible. And the tickets he bought was all from the same shop!

 

[CPerkins]

That story is incredible. And the tickets he bought was all from the same shop!

More important is the lesson. While this man has won a lot of money, he is not happy and his family is not really better off. So many equate money with happiness. Handling money is just a different set of problems in one's life. The root of happiness is not found in money or things of any kind.

The world is blind and deaf to the source of real happiness and the truth of a way of life that leads to real success and happiness.

 

[Major]

I think what a lot of laypeople don’t understand is the skill involved in poker. At the higher levels, it really isn’t nearly the same as the lottery or slot machines. Chance is still a component, of course, but there is a lot of intricate math involved and it takes a lot of study and training to really understand the game and win consistently.

A lot of the top tier pros refer to themselves as athletes and poker as a sport. I think that’s a bit much but it does raise the question of whether or not training for athletic endeavors is also sinful.

Is someone who spends hours reading books about their competitive interest or hobby really any different than someone who exercises for hours on end to train to compete against someone else in a sport? The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.

I’m just throwing it out there as food for thought.

You said.............
' The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.'

And right there is the problem!!!!

When spending hours and days playing a game instead of attending worship services, there is a concern.....IMHO.

Many people (LOTS) but lottery tickets and have no money left to buy food for their children. "They do not know where to draw the line"!

When A Hobby or a past time/game becomes an obsession…..there is a problem. But that is just my personal opinion.

 

[Major]

You said.............
' The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.'

And right there is the problem!!!!

When spending hours and days playing a game instead of attending worship services, there is a concern.....IMHO.

Many people (LOTS) but lottery tickets and have no money left to buy food for their children. "They do not know where to draw the line"!

When A Hobby or a past time/game becomes an obsession…..there is a problem. But that is just my personal opinion.

Should have been...."BUY" lottery tickets!

 

[Skipper]

You said.............
' The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.'

And right there is the problem!!!!

When spending hours and days playing a game instead of attending worship services, there is a concern.....IMHO.

Many people (LOTS) but lottery tickets and have no money left to buy food for their children. "They do not know where to draw the line"!

When A Hobby or a past time/game becomes an obsession…..there is a problem. But that is just my personal opinion.

So how do people know where to draw the line? At what point does a hobby or interest become an obsession or at least time consuming enough to deviate from focusing on the Word? How do people know when they reach that point?

I think this is where the importance of belonging to a church community with brothers and sisters strong enough to hold someone accountable. I think that’s where a lot of us fall short. It’s difficult sometimes to tell a friend or loved one that we have concerns about their behavior or time spent on interests they may be passionate about.

But as difficult as it is, it is the expectation of Christians to correct fellow believers but to do so gently and in a manner to restore them, not condemn them. Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15

 

[Lanolin]

I just wondered if the shop was somehow rigged or he was just incredibly (un)lucky.
Of course, he might have been buying tickets every single week and at other shops as well for all I know.

on Poker and other things played for trophies or glory, well, its interesting because in my school library I've been persuaded to enter a team into what is called 'Book Battle' where teams are meant to read a set list of books and answer questions to win prizes for their school competing against other schools.

I suppose its a bit of fun, but I never want it to be a real fight. And only if you are interested in those particular books. I mean it would be a drag to compete in something you are not really interested in, just to win. I like read for the pleasure of reading, not to win something. Winning is nice, but sometimes you can just win for random reasons that aren't based on any skill. Like Spot prizes!

 

[bobinfaith]

I think what a lot of laypeople don’t understand is the skill involved in poker. At the higher levels, it really isn’t nearly the same as the lottery or slot machines. Chance is still a component, of course, but there is a lot of intricate math involved and it takes a lot of study and training to really understand the game and win consistently.

A lot of the top tier pros refer to themselves as athletes and poker as a sport. I think that’s a bit much but it does raise the question of whether or not training for athletic endeavors is also sinful.

Is someone who spends hours reading books about their competitive interest or hobby really any different than someone who exercises for hours on end to train to compete against someone else in a sport? The argument that the time spent training could be better spent serving the Lord certainly applies to a variety of activities and it may be difficult for some to know where to draw the line.

I’m just throwing it out there as food for thought.

My understanding of poker is that it takes a lot of reading of personality as well as the cards, and character finesse as well. The books may not help in that dept..

At the higher levels, reads and tells aren’t really relevant. Mainly because the players all know how to mask/hide their tells. Math is dominant in the game now. 10-20 years ago, reads and tells had some relevance but they’re pretty moot now. Unless you’re playing against new players or amateurs who don’t know how to conceal them.

Hello Skipper;

What I red-lighted I find interesting to know. What you shared regarding the training, reading and technical of playing (gambling) cards is a serious card player.

I put in the training, reading and technical (case in point) of serving the Lord, therefore I take Him serious because I don't know where to draw the line of temptations of habits and vices. He is there to guide me in my choices.

I tell you the truth. I am grateful for your sharing this topic because as of my post, it's received 712 views, therefore, to me, is giving us something to think about whether cards or other habits that may be taking away the Lord's attention or glory.

God bless you, Skipper, your family, and thank you.

 

[Major]

So how do people know where to draw the line? At what point does a hobby or interest become an obsession or at least time consuming enough to deviate from focusing on the Word? How do people know when they reach that point?

I think this is where the importance of belonging to a church community with brothers and sisters strong enough to hold someone accountable. I think that’s where a lot of us fall short. It’s difficult sometimes to tell a friend or loved one that we have concerns about their behavior or time spent on interests they may be passionate about.

But as difficult as it is, it is the expectation of Christians to correct fellow believers but to do so gently and in a manner to restore them, not condemn them. Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15

Maybe when it becomes an obsession instead of a hobby???

Maybe when a family memeber says........."YOU are spending too much time and energy on your game/hobby"?

 

[Skipper]

Maybe when it becomes an obsession instead of a hobby???

Maybe when a family memeber says........."YOU are spending too much time and energy on your game/hobby"?

Do you really think people can tell when the hobby they’re passionate about becomes an “obsession?” Even how people define an obsession varies from person to person.

Not everyone has family members and not everyone has family members willing to confront other family members. And sometimes family members are wrong and can confront someone on an issue simply because they don’t understand it or agree with it rather than because the person is spending too much time and energy on it.

Your theory, though well-intentioned, is too simplistic.

 

[Major]

Do you really think people can tell when the hobby they’re passionate about becomes an “obsession?” Even how people define an obsession varies from person to person.

Not everyone has family members and not everyone has family members willing to confront other family members. And sometimes family members are wrong and can confront someone on an issue simply because they don’t understand it or agree with it rather than because the person is spending too much time and energy on it.

Your theory, though well-intentioned, is too simplistic.

That is exactly why I used the word......"MAYBE".

My experience is NOT that there are family members who will not step up and confront.....but when they do they are met with excuses, and "Mind your own business" responses. The answer is not usually the problem at all but the response to it.

Also........sometimes, the the simplest explanation is usually the right one.

 

[CPerkins]

I find that when I spend to much time on something the Spirit and/or conscience begins to nudge me. God has a way of telling us as long as we are attentive. If a nudge doesn't work sometimes bigger things come to pass to awaken me to what is happening.

Regular conversation and spiritual meals with God also help in our discernment of things like this. The closer to the world we are the harder it is to hear God and vice versa. We each have to ask God's help in examining ourselves so that we can act in faith and love, walking in the Spirit of truth.

 

[bobinfaith]

That is exactly why I used the word......"MAYBE".

My experience is NOT that there are family members who will not step up and confront.....but when they do they are met with excuses, and "Mind your own business" responses. The answer is not usually the problem at all but the response to it.

Also........sometimes, the the simplest explanation is usually the right one.

I find that when I spend to much time on something the Spirit and/or conscience begins to nudge me. God has a way of telling us as long as we are attentive. If a nudge doesn't work sometimes bigger things come to pass to awaken me to what is happening.

Regular conversation and spiritual meals with God also help in our discernment of things like this. The closer to the world we are the harder it is to hear God and vice versa. We each have to ask God's help in examining ourselves so that we can act in faith and love, walking in the Spirit of truth.

Hello Major and Chuck;

You both have good points and I personally can relate to them. I have an old hobby of rare collectable marbles in our curio. Seems harmless?

I used to play marbles for "keeps" as a child so to me it was a form of gambling. The better I could shoot the more marbles I won.

Later in the 1990s as an adult I got back into collecting marbles and this is where it got harmful because it became expensive. My wife and I traveled to marble shows by flying, staying in a hotel, cost of the show and other expenses just for the rush of attending a marble show.

I do have books on marbles, their history and value.

I was mesmerized by these rare, colorful spheres from the 19th century to the 1950s. The costs for these collectables didn't matter to me. I pulled my cash or credit card and could easily spend $200.00 at a show for a handful of rare cat eyes, peeries, steelies. The more expensive marbles were popeyes, agates that could run from $50.00 to $900.00 a marble!

One day I did an inventory (census) and realized I had 11,000 marbles, most were the inexpensive cat eyes and were packed and stored in a large container. I shared this with a brother who then asked me, "what are you going to do with this massive treasure?" I didn't have an answer but his question made me come to my senses.

Today my marbles are still stored in my home and I'm trying to figure out how to give them away for good - The Goodwill? Salvation Army? Or donate to a large marble club. In Wildwood, NJ they hold the largest national marble tournament each year. Would they accept my donation?

 

[Siloam]

When my younger son was in High School, he became interested in chess and joined the local adult chess club and started going to tournaments, some for students, others for everyone. I took him to many High School age tournaments in the East Coast. One year he was in a tournament for either the Eastern US, or the Whole US (I can't remember which). He won all his games, but was awarded 5th place after 7 rounds based upon the rating system.

I did notice that many of these young players took losses well, while others showed their immaturity. In the adult tournaments, there were also some who took wins and losses better or worse.

In all, I find friendly games (Chess, poker, or other) a very different thing from tournament play, or playing for tangible stakes. Where something of value is being vied for, much greater potential for harm is also at play.

 

[Siloam]

Hello Major and Chuck;

You both have good points and I personally can relate to them. I have an old hobby of rare collectable marbles in our curio. Seems harmless?

I used to play marbles for "keeps" as a child so to me it was a form of gambling. The better I could shoot the more marbles I won.

Later in the 1990s as an adult I got back into collecting marbles and this is where it got harmful because it became expensive. My wife and I traveled to marble shows by flying, staying in a hotel, cost of the show and other expenses just for the rush of attending a marble show.

I do have books on marbles, their history and value.

I was mesmerized by these rare, colorful spheres from the 19th century to the 1950s. The costs for these collectables didn't matter to me. I pulled my cash or credit card and could easily spend $200.00 at a show for a handful of rare cat eyes, peeries, steelies. The more expensive marbles were popeyes, agates that could run from $50.00 to $900.00 a marble!

One day I did an inventory (census) and realized I had 11,000 marbles, most were the inexpensive cat eyes and were packed and stored in a large container. I shared this with a brother who then asked me, "what are you going to do with this massive treasure?" I didn't have an answer but his question made me come to my senses.

Today my marbles are still stored in my home and I'm trying to figure out how to give them away for good - The Goodwill? Salvation Army? Or donate to a large marble club. In Wildwood, NJ they hold the largest national marble tournament each year. Would they accept my donation?

I have been losing my marbles for the last several years!