Why do those who don't win keep on playing?

kabokinha

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Probably because they like the game, poker in itself is a very stimulating game, what you gain from it is just an additional for most people.
 
FirkeyZeldaX

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20+ year micro/low stakes winning player. Define significant? I don't make a living playing and some years I might not make much. But over 20+ years I've paid off 3 car loans early, taken a few vacations paid for by poker and have bought a number of Xmas and birthday gifts for others from poker profits. Plus paid for other hobbies such as sim-racing(not cheap) and photography again not a cheap hobby.

But you know what? I'd be still playing even if I was a break even player or even a small loser. Why? Even as a break even player poker would still be the cheapest hobby I ever had in my whole life. I'll also bet most people play because they enjoy it and because it's a hobby.

I'll also echo what Poker Orifice said above "What do you know about this game? It'd seem not very much... not very much at all"
I’m in a similar boat—right now, poker is not just a hobby but a solid income source for me. It’s helped me rent luxury cars and indulge in a lifestyle I enjoy. But like you, I’d still be playing even if it weren’t as profitable. There’s something about the strategy, the thrill, and the camaraderie at the table that keeps me hooked. I agree 100%—poker is one of the most affordable and engaging hobbies when played responsibly. For me, it’s more than just about the money—it’s the challenge and the love of the game.
 
pavel1111111

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o...k , but let say that you are a very good player , but at the begining of playing you just have very bad luck and lose....but then you just rise and over excede your aspectation...ehhh ... :)
 
pavel1111111

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important is to not play money that you can not afford to lose , simple :)...your turn will came , just be ready :) ...the wins will come for sure :) !!!
 
FirkeyZeldaX

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I’m in a similar boat—right now, poker is not just a hobby but a solid income source for me. It’s helped me rent luxury cars and indulge in a lifestyle I enjoy. But like you, I’d still be playing even if it weren’t as profitable. There’s something about the strategy, the thrill, and the camaraderie at the table that keeps me hooked. I agree 100%—poker is one of the most affordable and engaging hobbies when played responsibly. For me, it’s more than just about the money—it’s the challenge and the love of the game.
20+ year micro/low stakes winning player. Define significant? I don't make a living playing and some years I might not make much. But over 20+ years I've paid off 3 car loans early, taken a few vacations paid for by poker and have bought a number of Xmas and birthday gifts for others from poker profits. Plus paid for other hobbies such as sim-racing(not cheap) and photography again not a cheap hobby.











But you know what? I'd be still playing even if I was a break even player or even a small loser. Why? Even as a break even player poker would still be the cheapest hobby I ever had in my whole life and I started traveling a lot, when I was in Dubai I even rented a luxury car for myself here http://gintalaite.com/ . I'll also bet most people play because they enjoy it and because it's a hobby.
I'll also echo what Poker Orifice said above "What do you know about this game? It'd seem not very much... not very much at all"

Cheers!!!
And I also forget to mention that I paid my home debt with poker) :devilish:
 
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For many people, the answer to this question is simple. They hope that one day it will come together
 
choprav

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One word - addiction. Here's some more words, maybe just got the money and that's the way they like to sp3nd their disposable income and obv people love the game the social element the high of winning
 
Dimidrol2

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Perhaps he continues to play or just spends time as he likes. The main thing is that this money is not the last.
 
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Cooking

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I think it have 2 answers for that. Maybe the player have fun playing poker and don't mind to lose money. Or he may be an addict player that can't stop to play.
 
RALF_AK

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Wouldn't it be better to move on to something that gives returns for the time and effort that this game takes?
Poker requires knowledge and skill, as luck is a small part of this process. I suggest before you start playing, study a little, nowadays there is a lot of information on the internet in addition to the courses we have here in the CC community.
 
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Unfortunately, most of the constantly losing players are gamblers, they psychologically cannot retreat. Outside help is needed to help them, but as a rule they do not accept it. I knew one such person, he lost everything he had.
 
Poker Orifice

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Unfortunately, most of the constantly losing players are gamblers, they psychologically cannot retreat. Outside help is needed to help them, but as a rule they do not accept it. I knew one such person, he lost everything he had.

Good for the game! We need more folks like this. Sad but true... the game relies upon them.
 
hardongear

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And I also forget to mention that I paid my home debt with poker) :devilish:
Poker is a great side hustle when one can control them shelves and play within their menas and talent level. It's helped me pay off 2 cars....working on the 3rd and has helped me and the wife take a few vacations. Plus 12k worth of sim-racing gear and other odds and ends over the years.

Cheers!!!
 
userX

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Wouldn't it be better to move on to something that gives returns for the time and effort that this game takes?
Of course, time is our most valuable resource, and if you play poker solely for the money, then it is quite possible that you can look for some more profitable activity than playing online. Personally, I treat poker as a hobby and play for fun, so for me, my evening tournaments are just an opportunity to have a good time and get away.
 
dori111

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Experience is the main thing, in order to win big amounts later, you need to lose a lot first.
 
Flyer35

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20+ year micro/low stakes winning player. Define significant? I don't make a living playing and some years I might not make much. But over 20+ years I've paid off 3 car loans early, taken a few vacations paid for by poker and have bought a number of Xmas and birthday gifts for others from poker profits. Plus paid for other hobbies such as sim-racing(not cheap) and photography again not a cheap hobby.

But you know what? I'd be still playing even if I was a break even player or even a small loser. Why? Even as a break even player poker would still be the cheapest hobby I ever had in my whole life. I'll also bet most people play because they enjoy it and because it's a hobby.

I'll also echo what Poker Orifice said above "What do you know about this game? It'd seem not very much... not very much at all"

Cheers!!!
Sim-racing? Sounds exciting!
 
Colbefc

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For the same reason anyone keeps on doing anything they don't win at, hoping one day they
will start winning :)
 
hardongear

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Sim-racing? Sounds exciting!

There's all levels of players exactly like poker, yes very exciting and like poker very hard to be good. In Iracing you start with 1600-Irating(IR). The avg driver has only 1400-1800. To keep an IR of 2500-3500 takes 2-3 hours of practice and setup time every week. Track changes weekly. The top very best drivers are only 5% of the total drivers and range from 2500- 10k+.

The best in most exciting part is you can meet and race against real life pro drivers from every top series in the world.

It can be pricey though so not exactly a kids game/hobby. It's meant and aimed at an older male crowd that has a bit of extra money. You can get in for as cheap as $3500(wheel, pedals, computer/1 yr Iracing sub or expensive as a full motion rig for 79k+). Cost doesn't equal or mean fast. You can't buy speed, talent and a high Irating. So it's not pay to win that way.

I would recommend Iracing for anyone who likes tough, hard and competitive racing against real people from around the world 24/7. If you think of it as a long term investment it's a very cheap hobby if your buy smart.

Sorry for the derail. As you can tell I'm as passionate about sim-racing as I am poker.


Cheers!!!
 
steve01991

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If you enjoy playing poker, you will never quit, and the money? well you can play freerolls without losing anything, so they probably play many freerolls.
 
istbno

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Many players who don’t win consistently keep playing because of the thrill, hope, and emotional highs that poker provides. The game offers a mix of strategy, luck, and excitement that can be addictive, as players believe they are just one hand away from turning things around. Others play for the social interaction, the intellectual challenge, or the belief that they can improve over time. For some, poker becomes less about winning and more about the experience, while for others, it may stem from overconfidence or chasing losses to recover past defeats.
 
sibkaz

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There will be losses, you can't avoid it, the main thing is to learn from this...) Learn psychologically, gain experience, self-discipline, and I'm sure that a stable game will come!)
 
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You never know if it is your turn to win, that is why you keep trying.
 
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