I have been playing poker off and on for about 6 years. I had a decent run at online poker a few years ago and I have done OK at live. I find myself disengaged lately from poker. I use to want to play cards often. I enjoy the game, but I find that when I play my heart isn't in it like it use to be. I don't even attempt to play professionally, I get to play at most 3x a week. And now that I live with my girlfriend and we have bills I normally play .25-.5 house games in the area.

I don't know what I'm looking for in a response but I wanted to post this. I believe I'm not the only middle of the road player working a full time job like this. If anything share your similar story or how you got past any issue like this please

Im confused about your story. Why are you in the middle of the road? Why do you play poker?

I play the game b.c. its fun. By middle of the road I meant skill level. I know I'm decent and I put in the work and study but in terms of the overall community of players I'm probably average. I thought I stated that

Why do u play poker lol

I play poker to make money. The reason I ask is if you are playing for fun and youre not having fun, then, why play at all? Why do you need to find that dedication when you dont need to play?

lol psychology forum

Not sure whats happening in here...

Me either

Its not a need to play. I enjoy the game when I'm in it but when I'm away from the table I don't have the drive to get back asap. I play to win and to have fun

Actually, it's not that bad of a question. You say :

- I used to love to play poker
- I don't play poker that much

- When I do, my heart isn't into it

Is it a motivation problem ?
Are you soft because you are in a secure way of life ?

Depending on your answer about why you play poker you will receive different advices.
If you play for money :
- Find your motivation back
- Remember why you were playing poker before and what was the source of your motivation
- Ask yourself if your financial or overall situation is stressing you out so much that you feel like you "dont have the right to play"

If you play for fun/as a distraction :
- Can you afford it ?
- Do you feel pressure coming from your GF about the fact you play ? (she is thinking it's a waste of time, she wants more time with you)

If you don't have any motivation, you won't improve. If you don't improve, you will lose. If you lose, you will lack motivation.

It's a downward spiral and all depends on understanding why you are playing right now and what you want to achieve by sitting at a poker table.

At least someone doesn't just come on here and flame. I think part is the GF. When ever I have had my best periods of time playing I have been single. It was a lot easier to get into any game in town it drive to the casino and log a long session. Financial strains are present, just the usual paying bills lol.

Part is the GF :
1) Why ? Answer in details

For the financial strains :
2) Save some money dedicated to poker. You only need to save 50 a week to have a 200$ bankroll, it's quite enough to have fun/earn some money on the long run without being worried about that money.

B.c. the GF needs the special time with her man lol. This may have one as a surprise but some girls want to spend time with their boyfriends. We also live together so me telling her I'm going to play poker and not showing up for 8 hours will only fly for so long

Haha, nah, it's quite correct, many GF want that after all.

Then find a way to setup a special time for you once a week let's say ? Find a deal with her so you won't play out of guilt.