I know this comes relatively soon after I declared that play money does in fact have value, but I have quickly started to change my mind - or at the very least, qualify the statement.
In the midst of a recent session, I realized that where I am playing (low to mid-level play money stakes in SNG tournaments) simply doesn't present much of a challenge. It's way too easy to make it to the final table, and there's no reward to situations like that. I don't feel like I am gaining anything other than seeing hands, and it's not fun.
So if I'm not having fun, and not really learning anything new, what's the point?
I still think there is some value to be hand from seeing hands, trying to play differently, reacting to different situations, etc...but I also think I would much rather being doing those things in person. Live poker is just so much more fun - more nuanced also, factoring in the environment, being able to read other people and the table dynamic, things like that.
Maybe it would make a difference if I upped the ante, so to speak, on Full Tilt, and started playing for higher play-money stakes. One of the reasons I have historically played so low is because I like building up my bankroll and seeing how high I can get the number. I don't know why; frankly it's stupid because the "money" doesn't mean a thing. I need to get over that feeling and put the money to work for me.
I know one thing for sure - at the moment, I don't feel too "into" the poker scene. I know it will be different once the SFPT starts back up again, but for now, it's hard to just read about poker and play online, and not play for real. I don't want to give up on the whole idea, but I also don't want this "break" I am on to turn into an extended layoff.
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