Parents And Poker

[MasterLJ 0]

luckbox your way through like 4 or 5 tourneys in a week, then tell them its sustainable, it worked for me.. Seriously though, I quit school in November, and told my mom in January..when I told her I wanted to give poker a shot she was PISSED, even more so when I tried borrowing money from her (cuz I was broke at the time, lol). I never really talked much about poker with her till I came to visit her in texas in April, I brought her 'Ace on the river", and spent all night talking poker with her, I showed her my Poker Tracker stats and she found it amazing that I had gotten every pocket pair almost the same amount of times, AK the same times as AQ etc.. she saw the swings involved but realized that i booked wins in every limit i had played. After that she read the first chapter of Ace on the river, and the next day I won the 55k on stars which basically got her to realize that I can make money at this, and that it is NOT any more of a gamble than say, opening a bar or whatever. Now my mom is my #1 supporter, and its much easier that way. Honestly, if you're doing it for fun 2 nights a week and at least breaking even (ie not playing huge limits and gambling etc) I dont see how they can see anything wrong with it. Its a game not much more than that, if you are responsible about it I think theres more + aspects of poker than - ones.

Solid advice.When I was playing poker exclusively my mom wanted some tips =P. Where she lives there are lots of resort-casinos and she wanted to supplement her income.

[fckthis 0]

Well, I forgot to mention, IMMIGRANT PARENTS. I had the biggest discussion all day, and decided to give up. I have no idea what to do. I have thought about moving out, but it doesnt seem feasable at the moment, because when I mentioned it, my mom actually pulled out the "crying card". Anyways, aside from that, I read the other posts about becoming a winning player. I am...now. The reason I consider myself a losing player is how much I lost in 2005. Lets call that year an education in bankroll management.

[pokerplayer24 0]

if you're still living with your parents and old enough to gamble and worried about the rules they set for you....you might want to fix a part of that equation you have control of, and not try to get them to change opinions

Actuary that hurts, it really does.

[Actuary 3]

Actuary that hurts, it really does.

call it tough love.

[jowest 0]

Your parents are right. Poker is of the devil. First Poker.....then hookers.......and crack. Only a matter of time until you kill orphans.

[Mercury69 3]

One arguement I have used to try and convince non-believers is that poker is just another form of entertainment. The main difference is that at the end of the day i might get my money back and then some. If they would be okay with you spending money on golf or movies or other entertainment, then poker shouldnt matter either. Also assure them that you will keep your losses in check.

That's a reasonable argument. Trying to convince someone that poker is a legitimate form of entertainment is usually like trying to convince someone that drinking is legitimate entertainment. Many people have the "addiction" mindset and some of it stems from their own battles with their own addictive personality. Ultimately, it's about responsibility and moderation and, unfortunately, people like parents need a demonstration. This, for me, tends to undermine any faith that I might have that they are open-minded and, frankly, I have a hard time trusting someone who doesn't believe in my ability to be responsible. It's a slippery slope that, when you go on a losing streak and mention it, someone is always there to say "I told you so" and "You should stop now before it's too late". The competitive edge and enjoyment of the game is rarely considered by the outsider. There are also plenty of documented examples they are happy to quote about people who screwed their lives up. So...don't let that person be you. By setting your own limits and playing within your skill level, you will auto-demonstrate to your parents how capable you are of being responsible. Next time you lose $50, you can say "Well, that's my entertainment, which is equal to the price of that concert last night. I chose poker, not the show. What's the problem?"Good luck.

[Turbo 0]

Well recently, my parents have found out all those late nights Ive had over the months were me at the casino. Unfortunately they werent very thrilled.Basically they want me to quit, because poker=gambling (in their minds) and to me poker is just a hobby that can make a little cash on the side.Truth is, Im not a winning player. This year ive posted a +, however since Ive started, I am down, but I still enjoy it, and dont play more than 2 days a week.So what I ask the forum is, how to explain to my parents what poker is, or at least some convincing arguements, so I dont have to move out, just to play.Thanks.

Poker does = gambling.

[MikeR 0]

I won the 55k on stars which basically got her to realize that I can make money at this

Hahahaha, WTF dude. That's a tough way to convince your parents, not all of us were trained by Steve7Stud ya know.

[Brisco 0]

When ever my mom gets crazy about my poker playing. I just say "shady pines ma" and that gets her in line.

[fleung22 1]

why has everyone ruled out lying?

That made me laugh But realistically...if they won't change their thinking then that's really the only viable option. Either play online or don't play so late live. You'll get caught less.

[SunDrop 0]

I tell my mom I play 3/6 and explain what that means. She then asks how much I have to put in and I tell her $20. LOL

[ForRealDD 0]

I think it was Jazzy Jeff who said "Parents just don't understand". Last year visiting my parents house I took down a MTT on PP for $5,500, Her advice was "Quit while your ahead, you know luck is not with you to win twice in a row". She still thinks I'm an aspiring professionial slot player. She looks at any monetary gain through poker as a "win" not an "earn". I think it takes TP/MM to convince them otherwise, that is a day I look forward to

[hotbacon 0]

i tell my parents that I play for play money.They were pretty surprised when I bought a brand new computer a month ago and some **** for my car recently, seeing as how I haven't had a real job (besides some tutoring here and there) for over a year.

[dapokerbum 0]

Well recently, my parents have found out all those late nights Ive had over the months were me at the casino. Unfortunately they werent very thrilled.Basically they want me to quit, because poker=gambling (in their minds) and to me poker is just a hobby that can make a little cash on the side.Truth is, Im not a winning player. This year ive posted a +, however since Ive started, I am down, but I still enjoy it, and dont play more than 2 days a week.So what I ask the forum is, how to explain to my parents what poker is, or at least some convincing arguements, so I dont have to move out, just to play.Thanks.

MOVE OUT or STFU

[fleung22 1]

Now that we're trying to help out this kid I'm starting to wonder about what I'm gonna do as a parent to counter.

[Actuary 3]

MOVE OUT or STFU

QFTYou just said it more succinctly than IPay your own way and then make your own rules

[bmwmcoupe 0]

My dad is a dean of a big university here, i quit school to play full time. He wasnt very thrilled at 1st. But he now understand and supports me in what i do. He is actually kinda proud that i am 21 and just bought a brand new condo/penthouse have made several profitable investements. Poker as basically set me up. Poker can be a very positive thing if you are smart about it. SO my advice is if you explain to them and show them your profit graphs they will come to accept it

[Mercury69 3]

Mom pulled out the "crying card" lol. Tell them to get modern or go back where they came from AHAHAHAHA...Just kidding, but...seriously, explain to them rationally that you don't subscribe to the "traditional" way of life and that you'll take care of them when you are rich and they are old.

[Mrs. Hobbes 0]

We let our 9 year old son play poker with us, but not for money yet. I'd be fine with it if he got really good because he started out so young and was able to make a good living with it. But I'd still like to see him get a good education and have something to fall back on.