The Poker Collective

Welcome to Poker Monkey. I got tired of all of the blogs out there that were only used as forums for people to bitch and moan about how good they are, and how if it weren't for "some idiot" playing "stupid hands", they could turn pro. Instead, I wanted to create a forum for others to come and bitch and moan! More importantly, I wanted to come up with a way for people to share their thoughts, opinions, and yes, bad beat stories, and for others to offer their insight and collective experience for the greater good of poker.

Gamblers are egotistical. I get it. Hell, my name is Mr. Fabulous for shit's sake! But, if you are so self-absorbed that you think you know all there is to know about poker..........you are probably too good for this blog. Two things have happened that have been the downfall of poker:

1. The internet. Any idiot with a computer thinks they have what it takes to be the greatest poker player ever.

2. Jamie Gold. Not just Jamie Gold, but all of the players out there like Jamie Gold. The type of player who thinks that the best way to play the game is to play any two cards, and bet 'em like you've got the nuts.

Aggression has it's place in poker. There is no disputing that fact. But all aggression, all the time is not the name of the game. Selective aggression, and selective passiveness all have their time and place. If you take ten different poker players, all of different skill and experience levels, and give them a scenario, I don't think it would be unheard of to have 5 or more opinions on how it should be played. That doesn't make a particular style better or right, it just shows that different players approach the game in their own way. Therein lies the beauty of what I hope to accomplish with this blog. Shared experiences can lead others to look at certain scenarios or situations differently.

I don't think I am a great poker player. I have never even uttered the words "I think I am a good poker player." I believe that if you have to say it, you are insecure. Let your game speak for itself. Poker is not a chance for someone to seek validation. Everyone is there to win, and they couldn't give any less of a crap whether your ego is being sufficiently stroked. If you are looking for that kind of validation, it is a weakness in your game. I do, however, believe that one must approach the game with the mentality of "I know when I sit down, there's not a single person better than me. I am just as good as they are." This is quite different than constantly seeking someone else's approval. If a person is a good player, they have my respect. If they are not, they don't. It's that simple. I may tell someone they are good, but you shouldn't have to seek it out. The people that matter know it.

I love the game and the social interactions that come with playing it. I am a competitive person. I like to win. But with poker, unlike other games I play, I understand that to be successful one must accept that skill alone cannot win every time. As Phil Helmuth would say: "If luck weren't involved, I'd win 'em all." Trivia games, video games, and most athletic contests are determined by the team or individual who posesses the most skill. Luck seldom, if ever, plays a role in the final outcome. There is no "Curse of the Bambino" or "Curse of the Goat". In those cases, it has been the curse of "We Are Not As Good As Everyone Else". Steve Bartman did not cost the Cubs the World Series. The inablility to get five outs with the lead cost the Cubs a chance at the Series.

Having said all that, here's what I envision for this blog. I would like people to share their experiences. Maybe you pulled off a once-in-a-lifetime bluff. Maybe you took the beat of the year. Maybe you did something so boneheaded, you shouldn't be allowed to play anymore. Whatever the situation, let us know about it. Then, others can comment and/or share insight about adjustments that could have been made or point out the fatal flaw in your particular scenario. I have but three rules for this blog. They will be enforced to the fullest. If you have a problem with any of these, thank you for playing. We have some nice parting gifts for you.

1. You will never be judged on your playing ability. If I have ever played with you, I have my own opinions that will remain my own. They will not be shared for all of the world to see.

2. I will never knowingly use your name in this blog. All names will be changed to protect the innocent (and the hopelessly unskilled).

3. Constructive criticism is allowed and encouraged. However, abusive remarks or name calling is strictly prohibited.

When Doyle Brunson wrote Super System: A Course in Power Poker in 1979, quite a few professionals were, quite frankly, pissed off. Professional poker players viewed themselves almost as magicians, and a book like this was akin to showing how a trick is done. Doyle believed, as do I, that poker is a dynamic game. While the rules are constant, the biggest variable always has and always will be the participants. If others are given the opportunity to improve and raise their level of skill, everyone benefits. That's why I think that a forum such as this can prove invaluable to those who choose to use it. The collective ability of all will, in the long run, benefit everyone.

I have no set formula in mind. I may post here with a rant about a particular hand, or a particular player. That is perfectly fine. It's my blog, and I can do what I want :-) However, if someone posts something, I want them to be able to do it without fear of ridicule. If someone takes the time to ask a question, I try my damnedest to answer it. But, without the contribution of others, this will turn into exactly what I don't want: me telling everyone how I would play it, therefore that's how they should play it. That's boring. If I wanted that, I would just play with myself (insert chuckle, you perverts).

So, welcome to my humble blog. I hope that many people will take advantage of what this site could potentially offer. If you have any questions, feel free to use the comment section, or email at the address below.

Now, SHUFFLE UP AND DEAL!