I've heard Matt Berkey say it. I've heard Phil Galfond say it. I've heard Charlie Wilmoth say it. In fact, every truly thinking poker player knows this, even if they don't say it out loud:
The point of poker is not to win money.
Taking a huge chunk of the poker-playing populous off the table immediately, most people who play poker don't win money at it.
Most, if they were honest, would acknowledge that. They're there for the gamble, the camaraderie, the escape from daily drudgery, the thrill of winning (or losing) a big pot – there are dozens of reasons. But winning money is not one of them.
But let's consider those who do win money at the game, or at least, have a goal of winning money playing cards. Even for them, the goal isn't to win money. For a poker pro, the goal is to support what Tommy Angelo so aptly calls, 'their food and rent habit.' For other for-profit players, such as myself, the money represents an extra vacation, increased charitable donations, or a carbon-fiber double bass bow (all three apply to me).
Thus, if the only reason you're playing poker is to increase your score, to make a bigger bankroll so you can play bigger, so you can win more money so you can play bigger... eventually you'll find it a hollow and unsatisfying use of your time.
Right place, right time
It had been a profitable poker trip to the Southeast. Numbers aren't important, but I had been running pure, won my flips, and was on the good side of some coolers. I was headed to the poker room for one last session before catching a plane back home.
I stopped by a grocery store to pick up protein bars. Outside the store, some folks had set up a table, collecting donations for the local food pantry. Which reminded me that I'd just been listening to the Thinking Poker podcast with Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson (to which, you need to listen). Toward the end of their interview, they talked about their organization, Poker Gives, which feeds homeless people in Las Vegas.
While infuriated by the fundamental need for food banks, I'm also their biggest supporter. So I just had one important question...
"No sir, there are no requirements or forms. We have boxes all over the area, so people can go to them and pick up food completely anonymously. Or they can come to our church, where we also have perishable food."
Well now. Here I was with a bunch of extra $100 bills burning a hole in my pocket, standing in front of a grocery store, with some good samaritans ready and able to distribute food to those in need.
If only life were always that simple.
Shopping spree for +JoyEV
I grabbed a cart and started heading up and down aisles. Tuna, oatmeal, cereal (not sugary junk), soup, tortillas, rice, beans, mac and cheese. Had a big ol' smile on my face, singing to myself as I'm wont to do if I'm in a certain mood.
Got to the cashier, and man, all that food looked good, filling up the conveyor belt.
I never enjoyed checking out of a grocery store so much.It came out to $146. A few bucks less than that sweet river value bet I got with top pair, top kicker the previous evening. But the best part was yet to come...
I rolled that basket outside, and removed the protein bars (somehow I'd actually remembered to grab them). I went over to the food pantry folks, and I'm pretty sure they thought the little bag in one hand was for them. They sure smiled when I said that, no, the little bag was for me, and the full basket was for them.
This, right here, is why I play poker.I'll quote Phil Galfond here:
"Bringing curiosity and awareness to what you truly want in life, long-term, can help your future decisions become more purposeful and aligned with your goals."
Next time, when I'm sizing up that value bet on the river, I'll be thinking, 'I wonder if I can squeeze another five jars of peanut butter out of the hijack.'
