[I posted this comment on a poker blog and thought I'd reprint it here. The author made a tortured analogy between tennis and poker and I called it a stretch.]
Hard Boiled Poker
It's a limited analogy. Really, poker is a very simple game. It doesn't take long to become a competent player. One of the most important aspects of being a successful professional card player is to overcome one's boredom and remain calm and analytical. Comparing this skill (personality?) to the skills required to master tennis or soccer or chess... I don't know. It seems an empty comparison to me. Those professional athletes and chess players are competing at a level so much higher than pro poker players- who are just marginally better than than rest of us.
Sorry, I don't mean to direct this criticism of poker at you. I really enjoy your blog mainly because you make it about more than just poker. My criticism is directed at the young poker players who tie so much of their manhood to the game. But that's just me- 34 years old and amused by 20 year olds beating their chest over their skill in a game that doesn't really allow much distinction between great and good.
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Chess | Poker
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I am a professional programmer living in Chicago.
My hobbies/interests include live music, films, WWII history, poker, chess, bowling, and golf.
Here I express my opinions on culture, politics, religion, art, you know... life.