How Did You Get Started?

[unclemonty 0]

This commercial comes on at least once per every televised poker event. Some gentleman from the Nevada Gaming Commission advises against all gambling if you're lonely or depressed. I've been playing poker for about 18 months now. I started playing for two reasons. Partly, I started playing poker because I wanted to see if I could be good at it. I wanted to find out if there was something that came natural to me. Some talent that I had that I was born with. Something that I was better at than everybody else. I wanted to know that feeling. I wanted to see if there was something, anything out there that I was the absolute best at. Well, I've never been the best at anything I've done before and poker is no different. I've improved a lot since I first started. But, I'll never be the best in my home game let alone in the world.The other reason I started playing, the biggest reason was because I was lonely. Yes, I started playing this fantastic game for the very same reason the commercial warned us against. For the better part of 2 years anytime I wanted to do something, I had to do it by myself. Movies, clubbing, hanging out at a bar, dinner, shopping the only person I could count on to want to hang out with me was me. It didn't bother me at first, but after a while I got tired of it. My brother played poker with some of his friends quite often and I knew if I came more than 3 times they'd welcome me with open arms. Some time in the summer of 2005 I called my brother and asked what nights they played. Games were held every Thursday night he told me. So, I invited myself. It's cost me quite a bit of money, more than I can afford really. But, now I've got a regular hang out. There a 7 days in the week and I know on one night someone will think enough of me to ask me to hang out.Go ahead and make all the jokes you want. That's my story on how I got started playing poker. What got you?

[The Enforcer 0]

$

[scottyno 0]

i saw the wsop with moneymaker on espn and got interested in it from that. My friend invited me to play in his home game over the summer that was made up of pretty much all people two years older than me most of which I knew but at the time only a few I was friends with. We ended up playing pretty much every week and I wasnt very good but it was fun and the most anyone could lose was $5 or $10. After that summer I started playing online.

[pbwl11 0]

July 29th 2004: Me and a friend went to a Nickelback concert that night, and were supposed to go golfing the next morning.July 30th: he called to say he had slept wrong and pinched a nerve. (Actually, I think he was afraid off getting his butt whupped yet again, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.lol)Anyways, we had taken that day off work, so with nothing to do that morning, I made my first trip to the poker room of the B&M, and sat down at a 2/4 lhe table with $100 at about 9am. Next thing I knew, it was 6pm and I was up a whole $20!That was the start of my addiction. Started building a bankroll, read alot of books, watch alot of TV, learned all I could about the game.2 1/2 years later, I'm at about $5000 and playing 10/20 or 2/5 NL. Somedays I don't know wether to thank my friend....Or kill him.

[AAsnake88 0]

July 29th 2004: Me and a friend went to a Nickelback concert that night, and were supposed to go golfing the next morning.July 30th: he called to say he had slept wrong and pinched a nerve. (Actually, I think he was afraid off getting his butt whupped yet again, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.lol)Anyways, we had taken that day off work, so with nothing to do that morning, I made my first trip to the poker room of the B&M, and sat down at a 2/4 lhe table with $100 at about 9am. Next thing I knew, it was 6pm and I was up a whole $20!That was the start of my addiction. Started building a bankroll, read alot of books, watch alot of TV, learned all I could about the game.2 1/2 years later, I'm at about $5000 and playing 10/20 or 2/5 NL. Somedays I don't know wether to thank my friend....Or kill him.

I couldn't get past this part.

[enforce1973 0]

I guess what got me seriously involved (over the past 5 years) in playing poker is the opportunity to do something for my family and for myself. I was 13 when I started playing poker and I remember I lost my whole paycheck that night a whopping $89.00. I swore that from that night forward I was going to learn the game and not get beat like that again.......well at least I had good intentions. I started playing a weekly game with my friends from that night on and over the course of 18 years I have made that back times a 1000. But heres the catch I worked for a major auto supplier in Detroit and left that job after 10 years to go out on my own (Not For Poker). I put all I had into a business doing collections needless to say it was good money but not what I wanted to do. During these past 5 years I played 5-6 days a week at Greektown Casino and all I could think of was moving to Vegas and becoming a pro poker player it was almost like a calling. Well here i am at 33 years old and I'm in Vegas with my wife and two kids following my dream to become pro. It hasn't been easy and I would tell anyone considering this kind of jump to come here prepared and willing to put in long hours grinding it out day in and day out. Has it been worth it I will let you know. Just my story sorry for the long read.

[James D 0]

Watching it on TV. Boring answer, I know. Then started playing online... it helped that a couple of my friends got into it at the same time too, to discuss how we were getting on etc. Played only tournaments/SnGs at first, then decided to study the game properly, read books, and got more experience when me and my friend from Uni joined our local cardroom.Lol.. just writing this I remembered our first 'home game', if you could call it that. I wish we had filmed it, because we REALLY had no clue, after playing online for about a week, argued about blinds, button, chips, even fkin hand values! I actually don't remember the end of the game because I had been drinking a crazy amount of Jack Daniels all night. Apparently, Pete, whose flat it was.. wanted to throw me out because I'd been stubbing my cigarettes out on the table, and was just shouting at everyone when they were trying to control me... then I'd fallen straight back off my chair, flat out on the floor, drink in hand. So that was my first live experience! We do have proper games, quite regularly now, but they're round my house most of the time

[XXEddie 0]

After watching the 02 ME, i had no idea they were playing poker at first

[Big_Slick_86 0]

The other reason I started playing, the biggest reason was because I was lonely. Yes, I started playing this fantastic game for the very same reason the commercial warned us against. For the better part of 2 years anytime I wanted to do something, I had to do it by myself. Movies, clubbing, hanging out at a bar, dinner, shopping the only person I could count on to want to hang out with me was me. It didn't bother me at first, but after a while I got tired of it. My brother played poker with some of his friends quite often and I knew if I came more than 3 times they'd welcome me with open arms. Some time in the summer of 2005 I called my brother and asked what nights they played. Games were held every Thursday night he told me. So, I invited myself. It's cost me quite a bit of money, more than I can afford really. But, now I've got a regular hang out. There a 7 days in the week and I know on one night someone will think enough of me to ask me to hang out.Go ahead and make all the jokes you want. That's my story on how I got started playing poker. What got you?

I think this a very legitimate reason to start playing. I think what the commercial is warning about is that if this is the only area for you to socialise in, then it could cost you more to keep playing than it normally would if you had other social outlets. I think when you talk about "costing you more than you can afford", I would think about maybe reducing the time you spend playing. By that I mean maybe take a few time outs during the game. If you let everyone know this is what you are going to do from the start of the evening, they shouldn't have a problem with it. Look at your finances and think about what you can honestly afford to play with and if you lose that nights stake you shouldn't come away worrying about it. If you do you're spending to much. You're playing socialy after all.I play in a pub league here in the UK. The only thing you pay for is your drinks. While there's nothing on the line in terms of money (You play towards a seat in a tournament, at the end of each 3 month season, where prizes are on offer) it's a good laugh and very social. It's a good way to meet new people and has benefited from everyone improving their game, and a real competitive edge has crept in now where people are trying to prove themselves.This article might help you out finding one local to you.http://www.cardplayer.com/poker_news/article/7928I would definately recommend it, who knows maybe you can take what you've learnt back to your brothers game and open a can of whup-***. Hope you find what you want

[Biko 0]

Started playing for fun back in about 1999, before the poker boom really exploded. Myself and a few mates at University used to play on PokerRoom, when they were one of the first ones to start up. We had no idea what we were doing, but playing for the enjoyment of the game - and with play money.Then a few home games materialised, where we'd play with a whole stack of pennies in front of us, but we still didn't really have the right structure or operate the blinds and ante's properly. After graduating, it went quiet for me as there weren't really opportunities to play. Then a friend of mine who works for a local paper, managed to blag us a couple of invites to a media event at our local casino here in the UK. A qualifier for a big buy-in event later in the year. It was a sweet set up. About 90 or so locals playing the tournament with £25 rebuys for the first hour. Those with 'media invites' (about 20 or so of us) received four free vouchers worth £25 each and could rebuy just by handing over a slip of paper. After the first hour it became freezout and we were playing for a top 20 place, which qualified you for the big event. Lo and behold, I managed to make the top 20 - tight-aggressive of course, the first time I'd ever played in a B&M cardroom. After that, I was determined to learn more about the game and play as often as possible. Within a year I'd sorted out my internet connection, now I play 30+hours a week online and study the game religiously.Oh, and in that 'big' game I qualified for, this man: http://www.cardplayer.com/players/results/...nce_Gosney/9429, cracked my Aces after he stayed in with pocket 5s and caught a 5 on the river.

[Abbaddabba 0]

My friends are gamble-tards, and im competitive.I have no interest in sports or videogames (or other pointless ways of competing) because hte outcome means nothing to me.Truly winning at poker means you're winning at life.And in that game, the outcome means a great deal to me.

[Incubus77546 0]

Well for me it started with my friend inviting me to play like a $10 NLHE tournament that only had about 5 or 6 people. I had no idea how to play but I had so much fun playing. I think I finished in 2nd or something, I just enjoyed how they couldnt read me because for the most part I didnt even know what I was doing.This was even before I had ever seen televised poker tournaments. But not too much later, I watched the 2003 WSOP ME, and surprisingly it wasnt really Chris Moneymaker that got me to want to play and learn for real. I give all the credit to Sam Farha for that one. I loved to watch his aggressive play and he just has awesome style.After watching that I jumped on the "Poker Boom" bandwagon. Been playing ever since.

[CBass1724 1]

When I was 16 (I am 25 now) we would play in the back of the store I worked in after hours or at one of our houses to play some cards. We could get from 5-9 people to play dealer's choice. Every game there is, we played it, even with ridiculous amounts of wild cards and Cincinatti, match the pot type games. We all loved the huge pots and games where the pot carried over. I guess it was the thrill of the money as well as all being gamblers at heart. My friends and I would bet on anything and everything. We also were/are scratch bowlers, so we would bowl for money all the time.Now there are 4 of us from that original group that can't get enough of hold'em or omaha whether it is online or live. We try to get a game going every couple weeks if we can, or make trips up to Atlantic City or Vegas when we can. I'd say what has helped me the most is not being scared to get my money into a pot. There were so many huge swings in our stupid wild card games where we got used to winning or losing $500-1000 in a given night. When I was 16, 17, 18 years old, that was a ton of money. In fact it still is now with the responsibilities I have owning a home, car, etc! But scared cards never win, and no matter the value of the game whether it is nickel dime or 10-20 nl, the cards are always the same.

[Yoda 1]

I figured if I could pwn my grandma out of her nickels and dimes I may as well beat up the internet as well...

[Scanner313 0]

I was a big blackjack player back when I lived in NJ and before I got married (about 10 years ago). During my mistake I began watching the WPT and got hooked on the show. A few months later I played in my first ever poker tourney and finished 2nd. From there I was hooked on playing. After my mistake ended (thanks in part to my new found hobby) I began playing regularly and I've gotten to a point where I am very confident in my game. I now consider poker my "part time job" as it's bringing in a fairly decent cash stream for me now.

[fleung22 1]

I used to hang out with Michael Jackson pretty often. Generally it was when he had his slumber parties with lots of children.They were great times. Mike would supply all the kids and I'd bring the booze and drugs. I thought we made such a great team because Mike always liked the boys so I got the little girls as I prefer.I can tell you that Mike was one sick *******. He'd always give a lower dosage of the drug we chose that night just so the boys would be a little more active and squirmy. Mikey also had all these funny outfits he'd make the boys wear. The best one was this costume with Tito's face on it. Later on I found out that Mike was black and that was that...I can't hang out with a black guy. That's just wrong.

[CBass1724 1]

I can't hang out with a black guy. That's just wrong.

QFMFT

[silkyjonson 1]

always had a little hustle in my blood, and poker was a way to channel that.

[Socrates 0]

I began playing 5 card draw and stud when I was 6 until about 11 with my dad and his friends for nickels and dimes. Started playing stud and some other games again when I was 18 for more money. Turned 21 and would go to Vegas, was into blackjack and split time with small - mid poker games at Mirage. Games were hard to come by locally until moving to a location that had games on a regualr basis. Moved back to my old place and started struggling to find games again, that's when I started online. 6 years later I can't keep track of all the games that are available.

[nutzbuster 7]

I used to hang out with Michael Jackson pretty often. Generally it was when he had his slumber parties with lots of children.They were great times. Mike would supply all the kids and I'd bring the booze and drugs. I thought we made such a great team because Mike always liked the boys so I got the little girls as I prefer.I can tell you that Mike was one sick *******. He'd always give a lower dosage of the drug we chose that night just so the boys would be a little more active and squirmy. Mikey also had all these funny outfits he'd make the boys wear. The best one was this costume with Tito's face on it. Later on I found out that Mike was black and that was that...I can't hang out with a black guy. That's just wrong.

[flyingdonkey 0]

I used to hang out with Michael Jackson pretty often. Generally it was when he had his slumber parties with lots of children.They were great times. Mike would supply all the kids and I'd bring the booze and drugs. I thought we made such a great team because Mike always liked the boys so I got the little girls as I prefer.I can tell you that Mike was one sick *******. He'd always give a lower dosage of the drug we chose that night just so the boys would be a little more active and squirmy. Mikey also had all these funny outfits he'd make the boys wear. The best one was this costume with Tito's face on it. Later on I found out that Mike was black and that was that...I can't hang out with a black guy. That's just wrong.

[antistuff 0]

i saw a story about it on slashdot and my arrogance led me to belive that of course ide be able to win that people are so dumb and im that much smarter than everybody else. i figured with a little practice ide be able to quit my job and as i told everybody "sit around in my underwear all day in front of my computer". kind of funny how playing poker has changed my attitude and life in so many positive ways...

[No_Neck 0]

played 2/4 limit made a bunch of money in 3 hours... I was hooked (my first post was a brag post). Daniel mentioned FCP in an interview checked it out. Read every post when the forum was still a brown color. Found online poker, depositied went broke. Played with the free $75 from party poker... ran that up to couple grand. Changed my schedule at work so now I only work three days a week. Every year I cash out all my poker money for Xmas and end of the year festivities. Now it is back to grinding it back up, although this year I am not goign to cash out till Summer time.

[nutzbuster 7]

US Air Force, 1982.Played all the silly games...but oddly seem to win at them.Harrahs opened an Indian casino here in the early 90's...it was ALL stud then. Played for years with mostly losing results, just a hobby to kill time. Plus, the casino had a filet migon steak sandwich which to this day was the best thing I've ever eaten at a poker table. I used to go just for that alone! Other Indian tribes soon followed and it was game on. Omaha started eventually as well, and soon Hold 'em after that.Quit playing late 90's and would go off and on, mostly $3-$6 limit just for shits-and-giggles. Then, that luck box Money maker won, I got re-interested and started playing more seriously. Finally bought a book around that time too. Tao of poker, Sklansky and SS. Several since, but am a bad reader. I fall asleep too easy!The rest is history, as I am now prolly the best goddamm player on the planet. (well, at least I made it to the WSOP ME last year ....meh???...)

[DonkSlayer 1]

always had a little hustle in my blood, and poker was a way to channel that.

QFTJust beating games and competition in general, and btw, I can make money beating this game.