Awesome gambling/poker essay

The High Is Always the Pain and the Pain Is Always the High

As best I can tell everyone here has the ability to walk away; I've only succumbed a couple-three times over my life in casinos, and never for the stakes this guy plays, I've never risked life money. But this is one damn good essay.

Thanks for posting this Mosca. Fantastic read.

Quote: Ericayne

Thanks for posting this Mosca. Fantastic read.

JAY CASPIAN KANG is probably the best writer about gambling at this time.

Try Online Poker’s Big Winner from the NY Times, March 25, 2011.
His first novel is scheduled for next year.

Of course, there is The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoyevsky , written in 1867 which is in the public domain. Dostoevsky was addicted to roulette and he completed the novella under a strict deadline to pay off gambling debts. Fyodor gambled for 8 years, before he was able to lose the compulsion. One of the film adaptations has been discussed on WOV before.

Substitute dope or booze and its the same old story. I read an article awhile ago about a very successful BJ team player who quit the circuit because he couldn't watch people like the guy in the article lose anymore. They don't bother me now, but they used to. Now I just shake my head and think 'what a moron' and go about my business. His problems aren't mine and there's nothing I can do about it. If I let it bother me, I'd be just as bad off as he is. I think I learned that from working in a bar and dealing with alcoholics for years. After awhile you begin to hate them because they try and make their problem your problem. I learned not to hate them, but to accept them as weak people who have a problem that has nothing to do with me unless I let it. Feeling sorry for them doesn't help anybody, especially them. People with addictions have one thing in common, they're all completely wound up in their own little world and if you let them suck you in there with them, you'll soon need help too.

The best writers make it look so easy. After reading a great post, it’s tempting to imagine your favorite bloggers effortlessly turning in incredible posts with minimal effort before spending the rest of their day reading obscure books in a quaint corner café somewhere. More help with essays here (link removed by moderator).

Kate,

I have removed your link to a writing service for hire. We do not allow unauthorized advertising on this forum. Thank you.