At 35 years old, I’ve been playing poker casually since I was about 14 or 15, starting with home games with friends and participating in online games during the Moneymaker era. The thrill of the game has always captivated me, and while I’ve considered the possibility of turning it into a career, I’ve typically found myself losing. Nevertheless, I still enjoy poker as a leisure activity because winning is exhilarating, and I can see my skills improving over time. I believe that maintaining a casual approach allows for greater enjoyment without stressing over results. Without the responsibilities of a family, spending $200-300 on live games or a couple of online $11 tournaments each weekend feels like a reasonable expense for entertainment. I notice many individuals here seem overly intense about poker, which I get, but it might hinder your enjoyment. Best of luck and remember to have fun while playing!
i feel ya man, poker can be such a chill way to unwind if u don’t stress abt winining too much. I’ve been doing it like every weekend with my buddies. even when i lose, the good vibes and laughs make it worthwhile. just play for fun, dude!
I totally agree that keeping poker recreational can be very fulfilling. I’ve been part of a casual poker group for years now, and it’s always about the good company and interesting hands, rather than the stakes. Over the years, I’ve found it to be a great way to socialize and keep the mind sharp without the pressure of making it a profession. The motive is pure enjoyment, and every hand is a mini adventure. Spending a little here and there for a night out with friends is definitely worth it!