Let’s discuss my view on professional poker, at least in cash games.

One view of professional poker players is that they are wasting their lives. They do not heal the sick, transport produce, manufacture clothing or even increase the cultural warehouse. They just take money from suckers.

To some extent, I agree with this, though certainly it is their lives to waste, if they choose. But what do professional athletes do? They entertain the masses, for which they are well compensated if they achieve the top of their profession.

If you go to a football game with a family of four and spend $350 in tickets, parking, stadium food and souvenirs, that is still $350 out of your life with no lasting benefit but a few minutes of pleasure, or screaming, or getting drunk or whatever.

So I view professional cash game players, and especially me, as being in the entertainment business at the table. I am there to win the money, but I am also there to show the other players a good time. I participate in conversation, keep a pleasant and fun attitude at all times, have a few cute remarks and things to do at the table to keep it light, and so on. I never complain, yell, argue or sulk (well, hardly ever, for the sulking, with a nod toward Gilbert and Sullivan).

At a cash game table, most players are there to be friendly and pass the time. This is why casinos advertise “friendly dealers.” Me, I don’t want friendly dealers (though I certainly do not want surly ones either). I want efficient dealers and friendly players. Most players have home games that are fun and a great way to pass some time. Someone wins and someone loses, but the idea is to have fun. Most casino players are there to replicate the home game experience and I am there to help them.

One of my idols, Linda Johnson (congratulations on just winning the Brian Saltus Award, Linda) has said, “When I am at the table, I am there to win money, have a good time, and make sure others have a good time.” That is an excellent philosophy to adopt.

I should say why I single out cash games. Tournaments are entertainment by themselves…it is an odd form of the game designed to create artificial excitement by outsize prizes and increasing tension as blinds and antes rise. Cash games are repetitious and to some extent far less exciting to watch or play. The players must produce their own entertainment, and I am there to help them. And win.