Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Smaller, Yet Bigger

The biggest season on the poker calendar begins today - World Series Of Poker season in Las Vegas.  There's something new this year that could gain more entries than the Main Event.  A "Colossus" tournament prize can be yours as soon as next week, if you pay what's billed as "the lowest buy-in in 35 years" - only $565.

We added the "only" on purpose, because some people might find that laughable. Compared to the Main Event buy-in of $10,000, the Colossus is downright cheap.  But for ordinary once-a-week poker players, $565 still seems steep.  It's more than a monthly car payment or rent check.

WSOP is trying to attract a crowd, and we understand that.  But if you're thinking about going to Las Vegas and giving even the Colossus a try, our advice is this - only play the poker game you can afford.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. - I Timothy 6:10

About ten percent of all WSOP entries last year won prize money.  Guess what - that means about 90 percent did not.  They might have had fun, but they went away empty-handed except for possible winnings in other parts of the casino.  If you consider that fact first, you can see how much money you can afford to "invest" in poker tournaments.

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? - Luke 14:28

These words of Jesus seem clear to us. Whether it's a big poker event or any other major decision in life, you should "count the cost" (to use classic King James English). Don't take a "leap of faith" you might regret later.  But if you can afford to enter those events, have fun - and please let us know how you do.

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