What I Really Love About Poker

So I have been thinking about why I play. Sure I find it to be a lot of fun and winning money is never a bad thing. But I have been thinking about why I get excited about playing. So I know I like the conversations at the live tables and shit like that but it is not why I really love the game.

My favourite aspect is when I get the correct read on someone. It is invigorating to me. I get excited. For example, I was online the other day .$50/$1.00 NL. I had 88 and limped from UTG. There are a few other limpers and then the Button raises it to $4. Blinds fold, I call and the other limpers fold. Flop is 10 4 2 off. Great flop for me. I bet $6 and the button re-raises to $40 or so. I knew he had two over cards. I just knew it. So I pushed, he call with AK and my eights held up. It felt great, not to win the big pot but to just be right. Everytime situations like that come up and I am correct in my read it makes the game for me. I am not saying that no one else would have the same read as me, I think it was pretty obvious to anyone with experience but it still felt good nonetheless.

Anyway, this is why I play. It is for moments like this. It is like in golf when you hit that perfect shot or chip in from off the green. A lot of people can do it but it sure as hell feels great when you do it.

Comments

  • Congrats and great point! Reading is fun!

    What information helped you with your read? Had he done anything previous that helped you put him on overs vs. a pair?



    Caddy
  • I think its all part of the thrill of competition; nothing feels better than when you have the nuts and you get someone to put all their chips in the middle of the table or pulling off a big bluff and then showing your opponent a losing hand (some may find this to be bad poker etiquette). Winning a tournament is also nice but I find the chase actually a lot more exciting than the catch. It's a very interesting question you raise.
  • cadillac wrote: »
    Congrats and great point! Reading is fun!

    What information helped you with your read? Had he done anything previous that helped you put him on overs vs. a pair?

    I can't say for sure. I just knew it. His bet was too big if he had aces. He would want to trap me more. I had seen him slow play before and it was his style to bet so big with a made hand.
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