kenjisan

I think I may have a gambling problem

In the last two days, I've been in as many poker games. The first organized by myself and Glynn, the second organized by a college friend I haven't seen in years (thanks Lyle, if you happen to stumble upon this site). While both games heavily featured Texas Holdem (Lyle's alternating TH and dealer's choice), the mechanics behind the games were wildly different (limit vs. no-limit, tournmanet vs. non-tournament).

A few quick thoughts on this and then I'm going to bed:

• I enjoy playing no-limit more than limit poker. It's not that I don't like playing with limits, because I seem to enjoy any poker I can get in on. It's just that in no-limit poker, you can make more of a statement with your betting, and thus, I feel there is more strategy in betting. "All in" could be a desperate move, or it could be a stroke of brilliance.
  
• That being said, I can see the merits of limit poker: very small chip swings=prolonged playing time=more (theoretical) fun.
  
• I can see the merits of both tournament style and non-tournament style (i.e. playing until there is one player with all the chips vs. playing until everyone decides to stop). However, like no-limit poker, I think tournament style is more exciting.
  
• A set of written rules are an important thing, even in a "friendly" game. Also, these rules can be overriden if the majority thinks they should be.
  
• Friendly buy-ins can work, even in tournament style play, as long as the system isn't abused. If someone in one of my games is abusing the system, then maybe that person shouldn't be playing in my game.
  

All in all, I think the game is really fun, and I thank Rounders for helping me see this.