I’m always fighting to find the balance between family and poker. I know lots of you struggle with the same challenge, whether you are the poker player or the long-suffering spouse or lover. This lifestyle is challenging, so I’m going to give you some advice.
Advice for the poker player
1. Don’t take your bad play or bad luck out on your partner. Release your stress when you walk away from the table. If you can’t release it quickly, let your partner know that you need a little while to cool off, because if you start snapping at your partner, she will feel like she did something wrong. You get mad, she gets mad -- it won’t help the situation.2. Don’t lie about wins or losses. This person is your partner and should be treated as such. If you are lucky enough to have found someone that supports your passions, realize that this is a partnership that includes finances. If you’re playing on money that you can’t afford to lose, then that puts stress on the relationship. You should sit down with your partner and develop a business plan. If you aren’t already a professional poker player, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your spouse. Don’t even consider going pro until you can pay all bills at least six months in advance.
3. Don’t go play poker the same day that you made plans with your partner; believe me, if you get stuck or if a sucker walks in, you aren’t going to want to leave.
4. If you’re traveling the circuit, be courteous and answer your damn phone when it rings. It’s hard enough to have you out of town in the first place without having to wonder who you’re with or what you’re doing. Put your partner at ease.
5. If you can remember a hand you played five years ago, then it shouldn’t be too much to ask for you to remember your partner’s birthday.
6. If you win the main event at the WSOP, you will be a rock star. Remember the people who loved you when you were just a struggling poker player. I promise that after all the hype dies down, you will be seeking the friendships that were true.
Survival tips for the poker pro’s partner… Next >>
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