You guys think some of these poker pros are playing on borrowed time?

Iceman · Jan 14, 2007

I order 3 poker magazines a month (card player, bluff, and Poker Pro) and it baffles me how it seems so many of these popular players admit to not understanding the math behind the game. Also alot of them seem to be HUGE gamblers in other games (sports betting, craps, golf, etc..).

Some of these interviews are fascinating as some of these guys just seems like they may have lucked into some of their fortunates with a big hot streak.

One thing I have learned with gambling as that in the LONG RUN, the math plays itself out. Without an edge you will eventually lose. I know some people have a good feel but you can't get away with making bad bets for too long of a time.

Like I said some of this goes well beyind the poker tables for these guys and there are alot of rumors that some of these guys in the past few years have had some rough times even though they are right in the middle of the poker boom.

Not much of a poker player myself but the more I rad about some of these players, the more I become convinced that some were in the right place at the right time.

themanej2001 · Jan 14, 2007

Poker not really a game of numbers...

I am up a ton of money in online cards... it isn't about numbers... it is about the ability to read another player... and the ability to read software sad but true... There are patterns in a lot o things... and certain cards to play online in tournies and online at cash games... certain games to play and certain ones to not... and you need ot read players... numbers are not that important as longa s u understand the game

Iceman · Jan 14, 2007

Okay realize that I am also talking quite a bit about their legendary gambling losses on games/bets that -ev.

themanej2001 · Jan 14, 2007

yes they lose monsters in sports... but win more in cards.. many of them are multi millionairs and with there TV and web site contracts they have a steady cash flow... problem with them is that they have to bet a certain amount to get a rush and they aren't very good... but still have tons of money... they will be fine...

Kruser6 · Jan 14, 2007

themanej2001 said:
Poker not really a game of numbers...

I am up a ton of money in online cards... it isn't about numbers... it is about the ability to read another player... and the ability to read software sad but true... There are patterns in a lot o things... and certain cards to play online in tournies and online at cash games... certain games to play and certain ones to not... and you need ot read players... numbers are not that important as longa s u understand the game

Your arrogance is disturbing

themanej2001 · Jan 14, 2007

why... i am literally up 30k in the last 6 months... so why am I arrogant that is the truth... numbers are not that important in cards... I am being honest... you need to know what is best and the basic chance on catching hands... also need to know pot odds... but they are basic rules... that is all I am saying... pot odds and returns on flushes and straight draws...

Akillies · Jan 14, 2007

Some of these well known players are broke due to the habits you mention.
Check out some articles on mike the mouth.

Fishhead · Jan 14, 2007

ICE--I read the same three magazines, plus a couple more routinely.

I totally agree with what your saying, and a lot of people regard these individuals as "PROS".

Having said that, there are a ton of great poker players that know how to handle their finances.........Phil Hellmuth and John Juanda to name a couple.

boatboatboat · Jan 14, 2007

I wonder how much time they spend watching re-runs so they can learn how each other play.

The re-runs would show the type of hands they played and folded.

jacksonjohn · Jan 14, 2007

Which games?

themanej2001 said:
Poker not really a game of numbers...

I am up a ton of money in online cards... it isn't about numbers... it is about the ability to read another player... and the ability to read software sad but true... There are patterns in a lot o things... and certain cards to play online in tournies and online at cash games... certain games to play and certain ones to not... and you need ot read players... numbers are not that important as longa s u understand the game

Thanks for your remarks. I play quite often online. In the beginning I played NL hold 'em, but have found my ROI is much better in razz.

Please explain what you mean by being able to "read" players online when you can't see them.

levistep · Jan 14, 2007

Kruser6 said:
Your arrogance is disturbing

He probably hasn't won much in cards. To say it isn't about numbers is stupid. Pushing all-in on the bubble with a6 because you think the guy won't call isn't as smart as pushing all-in on the bubble with a6 because you have positive fold equity.

EDIT: He may think it isn't about the math, but he is definitely utilizing the math if he is winning.