On Texas Hold 'Em

I've been playing Hold 'Em for a number of years now, and what I've learned is that the game is just as much about luck as it is skill. I'm a pretty streaky player in that I wouldn't consider myself either lucky or unlucky. I can collect chips just as fast as I can lose them in a big pot- it really depends on the night.

The great thing about poker is that it's as much about playing the person as it is playing the cards. Granted, it's really hard to win if you don't have the cards, and bluffing only goes so far if the other guy has the nuts (the best possible hand). It's really difficult to keep it casual when I play because I'm always looking to see what other people are doing- watching how they move and how they bet in different situations. I understand that there's a lot of math involved- probabilities and pot odds- but I try not to get caught up in the calculations because a 1% chance is still a chance.

Even though I've been playing for a while, I don't know if I would consider myself "good." I think I understand the game almost as well as the next guy, but being a "good" poker player is a little more arbitrary than you'd think. I guess you could base talent off of overall winnings, but then you'd also have to take luck into account, and that's where it gets complicated.

I can't really tell how I come off at a poker table, because I'm trying not to give too much away to my opponents, but the game is always pretty stressful for me. I don't know if exhilarating is the right word, but I love the rush after winning a huge pot. Unfortunately, on the flip side, losing a big one can be pretty defeating.

My general stance on poker, and gambling in general, is that I hate losing money more than I like winning it. I just have to tell myself that I'm paying for the entertainment value and if I happen to win some money, then great! I'd say that over all these years, I've come out about even, possibly $20-$40 ahead.

Earlier tonight, I got really lucky, and it was pretty epic. Within the span of a few hours, I had a straight-flush (6 to 10 in diamonds) and four 8's. I ended up winning $30 so I'd say it was a good night.