It does not take much to inspire people. A well-placed quote during a trying time can be all that a person needs to rise above the tribulation that plagues them. Quote books have been a popular product throughout most of human history. Sally Emerson has shared her thoughts on the most important books of quotations. Little pamphlets filled with sayings from famous authors or philosophers have elevated many a man no matter if they saw them as profound or just helpful. Poker players are no different from the rest of us. It shouldn’t surprise us to learn that they are also prone to listen to some of the most popular quotes regarding their game of choice.
Quotes by some of the most remarkable players have gone down in history. Many of them have even defined the mindset that we now associate with the game. It occurs to us that some of the new players that are only now discovering online poker may not be aware of these remarkable and enlightening quotes. That is why we would like to share some of the thoughts that we have about the quotes that are core to defining the poker mindset.
An Old Folk Wisdom
“You can’t control the cards; you can only control how you play.”
Perhaps one of the oldest and most popular quotes regarding poker is an old folk saying. Nobody can say who the first to speak the sentence was. But, what we can say is that it must have been one brilliant poker player. Every poker player knows that the game is largely based around luck. The participants can’t control what cards the dealer will give them. However, once they are in possession of the cards, they can outperform the rest of the people at the table. Manipulation and psychological warfare are a key part of poker after all.
The saying is about much more than just the game that we all know and love. It refers to different aspects of our personal and public life. Life is turbulent and impossible to predict. The best we can all do is ensure that we play our cards right. It is possible to fold and walk away in a game of poker. But, life is never that simple.
Doyle Brunson’s Idea of War
“Poker can be considered war. People only pretend it’s a game.”
The poker world did not take Doyle Brunson’s passing in 2023 so well. Though not unexpected, it was still hard to see the Godfather of Poker buried. However, while he may be gone the wisdom he left behind endures. One of his most iconic quotes likens the game to war. The Texan player quite literally wrote the book on poker strategy. In said work he famously said that people only pretend poker is a game. Those who have played it on a professional level understand that it is a war.
The quote seems absurd to most casual players. But those who have visited some of the best online poker real money websites understand the truth of Brunson’s words. Players who gamble for real are always willing to get into each other’s heads, even at the cost of ending friendships. Brunson understood this. Brunson was one of the best. He likely had a knack for manipulation which many could only dream of. The reason he likened his favorite game to a war is because he understood the cold and calculating nature of poker better than anybody alive today.
Al Alvarez’s Rock Climbing Allegory
“Serious poker doesn’t involve gambling; but rock climbing is about taking chances.”
Al Alvarez is one of England’s most celebrated 20th century authors. His works broach topics that many are afraid to explore. However, when he wasn’t tackling deep issues of suicide and divorce, Alvarez was focusing on the two things he loved most in the world; poker and mountaineering. In a famous interview the British poet drew an interesting parallel between the two. He claimed that poker does not involve gambling, while rock climbing does.
Certainly, the audience was confused by the man’s claim. However, they ultimately came to agree with the brilliant writer upon further rumination. We’ve explained so far that poker is not a simple game of luck. As Brunson said, it is a war. Poker players engage in psychological manipulation tactics and intricate strategies, all in hopes of defeating their opponents. Rock climbing is different. It is one of the riskiest sports that one can engage in. Mountaineering seems like quite the endeavor in an era when most would prefer home exercises. Those who love to climb know that every next step is a risk you take against the mountain. Knowing that, Alvarez’ quote begins to sound much more plausible.
Daniel Negreanu’s Musings on Chess
“Playing chess can make you a better poker player because it forces you to think several moves ahead.”
We would like to look at Daniel Negreanu’s quote as the final one on the list. The Canadian professional poker player compares the classic casino game to chess. Certainly a sacrilege for professional chess players. However, we can draw plenty of similarities if we think about it. Both games require people to think several moves ahead. Both games require years of practice to master. Finally, both have been compared to war on numerous occasions. In other words, it isn’t hard to see the parallels. Perhaps playing chess really does make one a better poker player. Maybe even vice versa.