Re: [ba-poker] Story from SFGate

[kubey(deleted the rest) (Ken Kubey)]

Dmorr wrote:
> I dunno.  I dislike the kneejerk "poker is gambling is evil" reaction as
> much as the next rgper, but I don't think it's too out of line to suggest
> that this guy might have a problem.

I agree.
 
> 1: He plays most nights.  That's a lot of poker, and if he's really
> playing more often than not and into the wee hours, that's not really
> healthy for any hobby.

I depends on what the "wee hours" means and when he has to get up.
To some people, 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. could be the "wee hours."

If he's playing until 5 or 6:00 a.m. and has to be at work at 8:00,
then that's bad.
 
> 2: "So far, he says he's a bit ahead of the game, pocketing more cash than
> he's left behind."  That's the classic classic line from someone who is
> consistent loser in at least mild denial.

You are probably right.  But who knows?  Maybe he really is ahead.
 
> 3: He plays 2-4.  I'm not convinced the game is even beatable at all, so
> this has to be a not-completely-trivial expense for him.

2-4 games are beatable.  You can't make a living, but you can win.
I dare you to play some 2-4 in a cardroom.  You'll be shocked at
just how bad the play is.  Yeah, the rake is high, but only fools
will play in a game with a high rake.  Last time I checked,
you want to be playing poker against fools.
 
> 4: He has trouble maintaining relationships.

That may or may not be related to poker/gambling.
 
> No, it's not conclusive, but it's certainly suggestive.  It's reasonable
> to think that the journalist could have not tried to find a player who fit
> the classic gambler with a (mild) problem mold, but I don't find her
> treatment of him unfair at all.  At least of the face of it, since I don't
> actually know this guy, but we've all seen players just like him.

I thought the article was quite fair.  I'd go as far to say that
it cast him in a positive light.


Ken Kubey         kubey(deleted the rest)  (650) 933-3536