By nath on February 25th, 2008 (more posts by author)

(subtitle: How people support each other on the road and how they improve each other's games.)

It starts with the small things. Poker players are among the most generous people in the world when it comes to the small things. When you're used to playing for four-, five-, six-, and even seven-figure amounts, writing off $5 or $10 for a friend, based on whoever has the most money on them at the time, knowing you'll get it back the same way, isn't anything you think twice about.

And when someone hits a big score, they'll usually have something celebratory. The degree, of course, varies depending on the size of the score or the particular ostentatiousness of the winner. (I myself usually like dinner and drinks.) But they'll do it with friends. And these friends are friends who sweat and support them and talk about hands with on breaks. Friends who are there for moral support and to make sure you play your best at a time when the money is the biggest. Friends to celebrate your accomplishments with, to share in your pride and joy.

And in return, it comes back around. We all play better, we all are happier, and we all make more.

Sometimes, it extends to business. The people with more money can stake people who are either on a bad run or who want to minimize their risk. Larger sums of money are loaned to people in a pinch or who can't access their money right away. While I don't loan out money I don't think will be paid back, I don't associate with those kind of people either.

But we take care of each other and know we're good for it. (That's why issues such as cheating someone or ripping them off are taken so seriously-- when so much rides on your word and your reputation, a sign that you aren't trustworthy is a death sentence.)

What do we get in exchange for that? We get a group of friends who are among the best in the world at what they do-- play poker-- and with whom we can talk over hand histories, people who motivate us to give our best at all times at the table, people who will openly and honestly assess our leaks. And we get to do the same back with them. And emphasis on [i]friends[/i]-- these are people we hang out with, have a good time with. People we trust. People who care about each other.

You get the people who get you to play your A game. You get a group of friends who are supportive and trustworthy. You get business partners, and you get close friends.

We all support each other. We all make each other play better. And we couldn't do nearly as well alone, as we do together.