Motives part 1: Why People Play Poker

When you start to examine the psychological aspect of poker, one of the first things you simply must understand is that many people do not play poker in a logical way, and the reason they play this way has to do with their motives for playing.

If you are reading this article it’s highly likely that you are a student of the game, and play mainly to win money -otherwise you wouldn’t be spending time reading up on the game! On the other hand, other people play poker for a variety of reasons, which often has nothing to do with winning money.

You see, when someone plays cards to win money they tend to play in a very logical manner; logical to another solid player anyway. But, when a player’s motivations for taking part in a poker game fall outside of winning money it often makes their play seem irrational. Therefore, if you want to understand your opponent’s mind-set you will have to decipher what their motives for playing are.

Here are some of the more prominent reasons people play poker:

• To win money

Poker players who are ‘in it to win it’ tend to play a very solid, logical, game.

• To compete

Poker players whose primary reason for playing is to compete tend to take bigger chances, and are willing to risk more than other people who play cards for different reasons.

• To have fun

Poker players who are there to have fun tend to go with the flow. Even though they like poker and are probably aware of the difference between good and bad play, they don’t attempt fancy plays and are on the passive side. They are using a poker game like so many of use a movie; for entertainment.

• To get out of the house

Poker players who are playing cards simply so they’re not at home are very similar to people who are playing for fun, except they generally have very little knowledge of poker.

• To gamble

Poker players who are there for the action tend to be loose cannons. Depending on how they are running, they could be playing somewhat decent, or they could be on full-blown life-tilt -gambling away their entire stack on every hand.

• To fit in

Poker players who are trying to fit in are usually playing cards because their poker-playing friend(s) dragged them along. These players are usually rough around the edges -with very little knowledge or experience-but are eager to learn, and usually quite attentive, especially if they think you are a good player.

Once you start to understand why a person is sitting at a poker table, you will start to have a better understanding on the reasons behind some of their irrational plays, which will give you a powerful insight into their train of thought should you find yourself involved in a hand against them.

In part 2 of this series I will describe how a player’s style of play can give you a tremendous amount of insight into their motives, as well as their traits.