If you're too careful, your whole life can become a fucking grind...
Ever since I watched Rounders while attending law school, poker has been a huge, integral part of my life. For over fifteen years it has been the basis for pretty much everything I did. Today will be my last day in this world I love so much. It's bittersweet writing this. Part of me regrets it but in the end I know this is the best thing for me and the opportunities ahead of me are exciting and I can't wait to take them on.
I wanted to write something though to reflect a little on my life in poker and to perhaps send a message to my friends and colleagues in poker. The core of my message is simple really and it's that poker is fun. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Relish in the fact that you are doing something that few others can do. There aren't many things in this world that can give you the freedom that poker can and I think too many people in our little world take that for granted.
I was talking with Nolan Dalla the other day and mentioned to him how I thought poker players interacted differently than they did ten years ago. The core issue is social media and technology and how they've taken over the lives of many poker players. A decade ago, players actually talked to one another at a poker table. They learned who their opponents were and what they were about. Now they sit and stare at their phone in between hands and text their friends about the donkey in the three seat. Now I'm not saying no one ever talks to other players but if you watch poker closely like I have, the difference is notable.
I also talked about how poker players seem unhappy about everything. Again a lot of that has to do with social media and how easy it is to put a complaint out there and how easy it is for people to jump on the misery bandwagon. Maybe people were just as unhappy ten years ago but we just didn't know about it because they didn't have Twitter or Facebook to vent about it. Whatever it is though it just seems to me that too many people embrace the bad and don't look at the good. That saddens me.
I recently went to a charity tournament and it made me remember why I love poker so much. People were talking with one another, laughing, and having a good time. Even though money and prizes were on the line it was a social event where a game of cards was the glue that brought everyone together. This is the poker I love.
I've seen the bad side of poker. Cheating. Theft. Lying. Stealing. Death. I can't count the number of friendships and lives I've seen ruined. Perhaps saddest of all was the story of Brandi Hawbaker. I wrote about that story here.
I've also seen the good side of poker. Laughter. Friendships. Love. Glory. Celebrations. Joy. I've had the honor of witnessing some of that up close and personal. One of my favorite memories was watching the run Nichoel Peppe had at the 2009 Main Event.
I don't want to make this too long because I know in today's day and age people want their information fast and they want it now. So in closing I want to say one last thing...
Thank you for the memories, good and bad. Thank you for the tears of joy, the laughter, and giving me the opportunity to watch, observe, and be a part of this wonderful game. If I had one last wish I could give to everyone in poker it is to remember that life is beautiful. Dream of beauty. Live each day with joy. It'll make your life (and poker experiences) better. It'll make the life of every one around you better.
I call.
