21 comments Sunday 12 Jul 2009 12:00
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Blogs, Other, Advanced, Other, Poker Clinic, Psychology, Ring games, Sit & Go's, Competition, Free gift, Prize draw
Why do people cast their eyes skyward and sigh when you try to explain the beauty and significance of the world's most fascinating game? Poker is so much more than cards, it's about people, it's the classroom in which we learn, it's the stage on which we perform and it's the field in which we joust.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who uses poker analogies for everything from relationships and philosophy, to war and politics.
Poker represents the perfect microcosm of our existence: the random element; the presence of unpredictable human responses; the endless tug of war; lines being drawn in the sand; human beings manipulating each other and the situations they find themselves in. Poker is life!
Professor Charles Nesson, founder of the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society (GPSTS) came out with a beautiful little quote that’s sure to make you sound clever and convincing if you can remember it:
“Teaching truth leads to and through teaching poker as a skill in seeing and understanding another's point of view. It's for anyone who is eager to learn how the rhetorical world works and connect it to the physical"
Empathy is everything and persuasion and manipulation are how we get what we want from the world we live in. The skills you acquire on the poker table can be almost universally applied to real world practicality. Learning to understand what another person is thinking is a skill that extends well beyond a simple ‘game of cards’. Developing a check-list for decision making and learning to account for an endless stream of variables and assess risk are all essential training for good judgment.
It's little wonder that the best poker players are the brightest people. Poker allows you to explore your own boundaries and limits in a game of limitless situations: randomness set in the context of predictable human behaviours. What could be more beautiful?
So why am I boring you with this little speech about what makes poker so great? Most of you know this stuff already and you have undoubtedly had the same discussions with your poker playing friends.
Well, it’s time for us to throw off the shackles of negative association and the shady back-room gambler image that has haunted us all for so long. The poker playing population needs to rise to the challenge of educating the doubters and sceptics.
This article is actually a challenge in disguise...
I want anyone reading this to compose a short and convincing paragraph explaining why you love poker and why it is so much more than a game of cards, or a simple outlet for your punting urges. Keep it short and sweet and I will come back to this article on Wednesday to check the comments. I will pick my favourite and the winner will get a ticket to the Daily $17K worth $60.
Be lucky folks!