GGPOKER

Poker Offers Plenty of Fun.

Sitting at home playing poker with friends, or even heading to your local card room to face off against familiar opponents, lets you experience the camaraderie the game fosters.

The strategies and mental discipline involved help keep your mind sharp. And, of course, there’s always the chance of an unexpected windfall—who doesn’t love that?

But here’s the thing—there’s no hard rule that poker has to be fun.

I’m writing this because of something I recently came across online.

In a forum I frequent, a player was lamenting his recent struggles. "I’ve forgotten how to win," he simply stated. *"I’m losing every tournament now. I play perfectly against clueless opponents, yet they always seem to suck out on me. One outer, two outer, AA vs. 9-5… I need advice. I’m starting to hate poker because I’m playing too much. It’s just not fun anymore."*

First, Ask Yourself: Why Do You Play Poker?

If you play because you enjoy the competition, or because you love nights out at the card room—in other words, if you’re a recreational player—then winning or losing shouldn’t be your primary concern. If you had a fun night at the tables, you got what you wanted. Any extra cash is just a bonus!

That’s not to say you can’t be competitive while still enjoying the game. Part of poker’s appeal is the thrill of competition. If that’s satisfied, you’ve succeeded.

But if you play poker for a living, the equation changes. Once poker becomes a business, the fun often disappears. While everyone dreams of making a living doing what they love, as Mr. Spock once said in Star Trek: "Be careful what you wish for."GGPoker

If you’re grinding out sessions feeling miserable, maybe it’s time to step back and rediscover poker as entertainment rather than a "march of doom."

Consider Your Game Selection

Are your opponents too familiar? If they’ve seen your moves for months, they’ve likely adjusted. If possible, switching venues might be the simplest fix.

Are you playing the right stakes? If you’re unsure, you might be out of your depth. The fear of losing money can cripple your decision-making. Dropping down could relieve the pressure.

Take a Break

Even pros need time off. The "9-to-5" world exists for a reason—people need rest. Take a day off: read a book, play golf, binge a show, enjoy a good meal. Stepping away can refresh your mindset.

Know When to Walk Away

If you’re on a long downswing (and poker is your job), it might be time to reassess. Not everyone is cut out for the variance of professional play. Most people are risk-averse—they don’t want next month’s rent riding on a river card.

Sometimes, the best solution is to treat poker as a hobby again. Keep a side income, reduce the pressure, and let the game be fun.

Poker was meant to be enjoyable—an escape from daily life. But when it becomes your job, that magic fades. If you’re miserable, maybe the fix isn’t playing better—it’s playing less.

After all, who said poker has to be fun?

But if it’s not… why keep forcing it?