Originally Posted by Kerls

During the past 3 1/2 years I have fallen in love with playing poker. It's become a major obsession for me because I am the type of person who takes activities seriously. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether it's learning to snowboard or play football - I play to win and do everything in my power to get an edge.

The major problem I'm having right now is that my passion and determination to play and improve as a poker player is no longer compatible with my relationship with my wife; this is because I have failed to be upfront with her on multiple occasions (agreeing verbally to a set deposit limit online and then depositing more money, playing after being told to stop, etc.). She was hurt emotionally by my actions so much to the degree that now even the thought of me playing will bring her to tears.

With that being said, I still have the urges/want to play. Over the past week I was thinking through how I could rectify the problem by setting up a contract with her where my deposits would be limited to a set amount each month - $50.00. I was also hoping that we could negotiate time spent on the internet; this would work out fine for me since I mostly play cash games and am +ev in those games, and I already have a full time job. Unfortunately, when I brought up this idea to her she was calm but firm in saying she was unwilling to negotiate on this issue. She also made it very clear to me that I basically had to choose between her and playing poker, which for me is devastating because they are both things I cherish.

The situation is more complicated for the following reasons:

1) we've been married for almost 2 years now.
2) we have our own condo
3) she's pregnant and is expecting in 6 months. The last thing I want is to not be there for my child.
4) I do love her and do know where she's coming from, since I did lie to her on repeated occasions.

I am torn as to what to do. I know that if I choose to quit poker that I will have the urges to continue playing. If I choose this option, what steps can I take to ensure I follow through with no longer playing?

If I do choose to play poker and give up this relationship, what's the best way to go forward?

Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by TheCanoe

how is he sick? playing poker >>>>>wife + kid imo

Originally Posted by Codecci

Originally Posted by FTPwontletmebe

How about the sick **** who posted this in Psychology.

Originally Posted by Jamsym

my life is 1 big degen story.

Originally Posted by Smooth.Call

A couple years ago around this same time I was absolutely BROKE, and no more student money coming until like 2 months later. I was expecting to have to pay rent in like a week ($800) and I literally had about $65 to my name. So I got this great idea to go play the $50+10 multi at the local cash casino on a friday night. If I won, I could pay my rent, buy food, etc. until the next student check got to me.

So I go and Im playing my absolute A game. Making body language/tell reads and whatnot. Soon I'm the chip leader. Then the final table rolls around. Down to the final 4, where 4th takes about 450 or something and 1st takes $1800. And these guys are retarded. So I think 3way went on for a long time and someone suggested a chop and I took it, even though I was the overwhelming chip leader. I think I took like $1100 or something. Immediately I went and sat at 1/2 and broke even. Paid rent. Bought food and cigarettes. Got a job the next week.


I've learned proper BR management since then, but man was I happy to be able to pay my rent.

Originally Posted by jabbayoda

We don't want happy endings ITT. At least tell us you got herpes that night or something.