Can poker really be enjoyed if there is no money involved? The Internet is full of websites offering poker for free and people play in these websites. Many don’t even consider starting to play for real money even if they are doing great in the free version. So what is it that attracts the player to keep on playing without a single dollar or a prize in sight?
Poker is about Honor
Since it is widely assumed that a poker professional doesn’t only rely on luck but mainly on brains to succeed there is a certain amount of respect embedded in the title of poker professional. To outsmart the deck takes a great memory and good strategy. Today it is common with several decks in a game to make it difficult for card counters and this very fact further raises the admiration of the one that succeeds with his strategic gambling.
While this is enough for some to play the game most people find it ridiculous to even think of playing without any form of prize. For sure, honor is great and fun but if it doesn’t come with a huge sum of money will anyone ever know about it?
To be a true poker professional and play without money takes a great degree of humbleness because a great player that joins a tournament will make headlines. He will receive both honor and a prize. There are people who can’t stand being in the lime light and to them the money isn’t worth the embarrassment of having the neighbors know about their skills. For them it is a great thing to be able to enjoy the game online without any money bringing them to fame.
It is all about the Money
Most will probably agree that poker without money isn’t real poker. It is fun and a good way to stimulate and practice the mind but it cannot be viewed as the real deal. It is not necessary to join a world famous tournament to make good money from poker. Online casinos offer great poker rooms where nice prize sums are won without making the winners known to all. Free poker online is simply the lead up to real poker with money.
Moving into the Domestic Domain
While poker has been a game for all since long before the Internet was even thought of it can’t be said to have been a family game. Groups of friends would gather around a table and play for money and the drinks served wouldn’t be all that suitable for the younger members of the household.
Today the cards don’t ever have to touch the top of the family dinner table. As one housewife put it “I just leave the sticky table and join my husband for a few moments by the screen.” A card game can be played instantly without and disputes of how the deck was shuffled. While the online game is free of money interest the couple can make their own bets. A quick round and then the winner go to wipe the sticky table off before doing the dishes!
