Joined: Feb '08
Location: Finland
Age: 35 (M)
Posts: 49
I started playing poker over 2 years ago, playing more or less active. First I played some freerolls and won some bucks few times and went to a cash table and lost it all.
After a while I found these sites that give free bankrolls. My first bankrolls went away pretty quickly(some of the money went to casino), and then I requested some more.
My first Big win was on PKR. I played those phase tourneys where you climb up the levels. I got into final and I won it getting $700. That was a happy day. I cashed out most of it and played away the rest. I also cashed out on one site on P2P network for 400€, on virgin I cashed 250€ and on pokerstars I cashed $350.
I have mostly played tournaments, SnG and MTT. I liked MTTs because you can win big amount with a small investment.
I have deposited very little my own money in poker. And when I have, after the first bigger win I have cashed out at least the amount I deposited.
At first it was exciting to play poker. I wasn't playing it for money, I just liked to play. Ofcourse it was nice if I won, but that wasn't the point. But after some time, when I started winning, the winning aspect became bigger. I was thinking to get some rakeback deals, and looking for better bonuses. But more I tought of that, the less I enjoyed playing poker. I had some breaks and for a while it was interesting again.
I have also thought is it morally good to play poker. There is always some who is losing, and do I really want take someones money in a game that is partially based on luck. Some might say that it is their own decision to play and they should be ready to lose their money. But what if its not their decision and they are really hooked and in debts because of playing.
But here I am. I have won a bit over 1000€. I don't enjoy playing poker too much anymore, but still I have some kind of urge to play. I believe I am a bit hooked. So I think it is better to stop playing poker. It takes so much time from my life and I should use it much wiser.
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Canada
Age: 36 (M)
Posts: 2698
My story is very similar to yours.. The more I think about, the more I hate taking money from people..Maybe I'll quit. I haven't played in a month and a half.
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Germany
Age: 38 (M)
Posts: 46
LOL, you broke my heart! The most of the ppl play with freecash... So wtf! But its your decision. You can play playmonry too, if you think its not fair to win money from other ppl hahahaha!
Another option is to switch to live tables and play against Brunson, Ivey, Negreanu and others. First, you will hardly make them go broke. Second, you will win from them the money that they had taken from some poor souls who "are really hooked and in debts because of playing." So it will be a noble thing to do.
Joined: Mar '08
Location: Australia
Age: 49 (M)
Posts: 1158
poker is all about phases,you take a break and be back for more,dont try telling porkies,if you serious you have to diconnect your internet from your house.
Joined: May '09
Location: Denmark
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 191
Hahahaha you don't like taking money from others?
Thats ridiculous! Like you say yourself they chose to play themselves. As soon as someone is past 18 they are entitled to do whatever they want with their money. If they choose to play poker and keep playing even though they loose it is absolutely their own fault.
Because a few people get hooked, I or others who are not hooked can't enjoy a good game of poker without feeling bad? I refuse to have a bad conciuos in this matter. I play to have fun winning/loosing and just because a few monkeys can't control themselves and get hooked I won't feel sorry for winning money?
It's like saying people who go watch a footballgame should feel guilty because they promote football violence just by showing up and "creating" a mood that might make several hooligans boile over.
If that is your argument for stopping playing poker you should consider stop living. It is always possible to find something with every single hobby that can be translated as a bad aspect.
You should feel bad every time you ate a turkey, because of starving people in Africa for an instance?
I simply don't understand your kind of people. I bet you probably find boxing an imorrally sport too.
Joined: May '09
Location: Denmark
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 191
Dunotra:
Yes I just read today it today. Womens boxing don't really interest me though. Big masquline women in a ring trying to act like men? Prefer womens beachvolley then
Joined: Mar '09
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 62 (M)
Posts: 86
get the tissues, start the violins. if you are now that morally opposed to playing poker online why did you start? you knew all the arguments you stated for quitting before starting. if you are that disinterested in taking other peoples money then keep your original stake at the table & leave the winnings there. (oops )just let us know when you are playing & at what site,i'm sure there are loads of people who will gladly help you out with your dillema!
Joined: Apr '08
Location: Finland
Age: 35 (M)
Posts: 1613
if you feel that poker takes more time from your life then you want,or if you cant enjoy normal things in lif without thinking constantly on poker , then you should really stop before it is too late ...
Joined: Dec '07
Location: Denmark
Age: 40 (M)
Posts: 2644
@OP
It sounds like you made the right decision....maybe poker is not for you. You can clear your conscience TOTALLY by checking your handhistories to see who did you win the money from and deliver it back to the poor soul via buddytransfer.
