Poker: Why Do We Play?

Why do we play poker or for that matter ever gamble at all? Do we do it for the rush? Do we do it for the thrill? Do we do it for the competition level? The specifics of why everyone plays poker vary from person to person. Sure, everyone plays for fun. Or at least, they used played for fun. The only people that just play for fun are the people who randomly play a Holdem tournament once every five months with friends. Those people play for fun. The poker players, the real ones at least, they play for something more.

At the very core of it all you could say that we play because we wan to win a lot of money. And basically, who wouldn't? Who doesn't dream of cashing it in big during a poker game no matter the top payout? Besides the fact that we play for fun and to win money, there is a reason that lies deep within you. Not only can this tell you an awful lot about who you truly are as a person, but it can also become your driving force as to why you play.

Take for instance the player who plays solely for the rush. This can sometimes be dangerous because no matter their personal bankroll, they NEED that rush. They NEED that thrill to truly feel alive. To some people, this rush is like a drug and is their true driving force for playing the game.

Others play because they're just competitive people. These are the people who flip out when they lose a game of ping pong and have no problem inflicting personal injury to themselves as long as they come out on top. Again, sometimes these types of people take this to an extreme, but to play for the sake of competition is a common characteristic.

Some people don't even know why they play the game they just do. These people just have an inherent desire to play the game and play it well. It is after all one of the best games to test your wit, mettle and intelligence all at once.

There really is no right or wrong answer when you list what your reason for playing is. All that matters is it gives you the drive to play and to play well. As long as you have this stirring inside of your stomach than you're part of the group. You've got it. You play poker because it's become a part of your life and without it, even if it wasn't for money, you'd feel a bit empty inside.

Why do YOU play?