Why Do We Play Poker? It’s Not to Make Money

Recommended Poker Sites – Editor’s Pick

An article I ran across recently in a respected magazine began with this:

“The object of poker is to win the most money. That’s it – that is your goal. That’s why you’re playing poker.”

Now, of course, this sentiment wasn’t just discovered by this particular writer. If you flip through poker books, poker columns, videos, instructional tapes, blogs, you name it, you will see it repeated over and over again.

It has become a mantra, almost like a religious chant, assumed to be true and never challenged. Well, heretic that I am, I’d like to challenge it here because, frankly, it just isn’t true.

The vast majority do not play poker to win the most money. In fact, the vast majority do not play poker to win money at all, let alone “the most.”

Oh, don’t get me wrong – we all like to win, hope we will win and surely anticipate doing so each time we buy chips. But you know, I don’t really think that winning money is why so many millions play.

If It’s Not Money, What Is It?

So, if it’s not the money, what is it? I’ve been giving this a bit of thought lately and I’ve come up with five types of people who play poker with reasonable frequency.

Each has a different motivation for playing. You may not like this grouping. That’s OK. It isn’t meant to be definitive.

It’s meant to point out that there are different kinds of poker players out there, with different psychological make-ups, and they’re playing for a host of distinct reasons.

I Play Poker for Fun

These folks play poker because they like to play poker. They usually play for relatively small stakes, usually Limit, but a few will venture into No-Limit games.

This category, I suspect (without having any hard data to back me up) represents the majority of poker players. I’d guess that somewhere around 65% or 75% of all players fall into this category.

Heck, it may be even higher. Not for a second do I think that these folks are there to win money.

They are there to have a good time, like those on the casino floor playing blackjack, baccarat or, more often, the slots. They win sometimes, but mostly they lose.

Even those who are a tad better than the others lose because, in the long run, the rake and the tips chew them up. But that’s okay.

They view the experience like going out to a nightclub or for dinner. They expect to come home poorer in the pocket but richer in other, meaningful ways.

Related Reading:

The “Fun Plus a Bit of Ego” Player

These players share a lot with the first group, but there’s an added element at work.

For them the game has a competitive edge to it. They appreciate that skill and hard work play a role and they understand, sometimes deeply, that they are only going to win if they study and pay attention.

I don’t think these folks are really playing “for money” either. Again, winning is important but the money is just a marker of success.

When they win they feel good about themselves because they have managed to come out ahead of a game they know is tough to beat.

They can be found playing at all levels, from small stakes to the nosebleeds. They are also very much into having a good time and losses are not a problem if the experience was satisfying.

The majority of these players are almost certainly long-term losers. I would estimate that something like 15% or 20% of players fall into this group.

Related Reading:

The “Fun Plus a Little Spending Money” Player

This type is more serious about the financial element of the game. They have a clear goal: to be winning players – but not by much.

They recognize that to begin to think seriously about the money element would mean stepping up their game in myriad ways:

  • Seeking out weak games
  • Playing in a variety of rooms on different nights and at different times
  • Studying a wide range of material
  • Working constantly on strategic elements
  • Trying to stay abreast of the newest angles
  • Keeping careful records
  • Joining discussion groups

This is demanding stuff. For the most part, they have other jobs, families, hobbies and just don’t really have the time, nor do they want to put in the effort.

Their goal is to beat the game, make a little extra cash but still have fun.

These are the ones who think that poker is the neatest possible pastime ’cause it’s the only one that doesn’t drill a hole in their pockets.

My guess is 4% to 6% of players are in this group.

Related Reading:

The “Semi-Pro” Poker Player

Now we’re getting serious. These players are ones with a core income from some vocation but who need additional funds to make ends meet.

They are playing poker for the money. They study the game and learn every new trick and strategic play they can.

They may tell jokes and laugh at the table but they are always focusing on the game in front of them. They are aware of the impact of rakes and tokes.

They often tip less than average, avoid games with bad-beat jackpots, play in rooms and at online poker sites with smaller rakes and are careful about game selection.

I estimate that no more than 3% or 4% or so of those who routinely play poker fall into this category.

Related Reading:

The Pro Poker Player

Here, the buzz line that we opened up with is utterly and overwhelmingly true.

This rather small fraternity (I’d put it at no more than 1% or 2% of all players) is comprised of those who make their entire living from poker.

That is what they do. No wins – no rent, no groceries.

Money is everything.

I’m friends with a number of people in this group and, you know what, they don’t have as much fun at the game as many in the preceding categories.

Like they say, “it’s a tough way to make an easy living.”

Imagine a $2/$5 No-Limit Hold’em game where you’re in late position with A K . An early-position player raises 3x the big blind, you call, and the button calls as well. The flop comes A 8 4 . You make a moderate continuation bet after the initial raiser checks, and only the button calls. At showdown, your top pair takes it down. Although you win a decent pot, your main takeaway isn’t simply the money—your satisfaction comes from playing the hand well and outmaneuvering your opponent

Perspectives on Poker Motivations

The question of why so many people play poker without fixating solely on financial gain touches deeper aspects of human psychology. Many find a sense of community at the table, enjoying a social outlet that challenges the mind. Others relish the intellectual puzzle of strategizing under uncertain conditions, combining risk assessment with the freedom to shape the action.

Psychological research suggests that skill-based games like poker offer a balance between challenge and control, tapping into our innate desire to master complex tasks. While professionals may obsess over EV calculations, many players, both recreational and serious, get hooked on the sheer mental thrill of outsmarting an opponent or pulling off a well-timed bluff. This highlights poker’s dual nature as both a mathematical game and a human game.

Personal Style with Advanced Strategy

In modern poker, approaches like GTO (Game Theory Optimal) have become pivotal for higher-stakes players, but recreational enthusiasts often find personal satisfaction by blending strategic knowledge with a unique, intuitive style. Knowing when to deviate from textbook plays can provide a sense of mastery that goes well beyond profit margins. Even long-term winning players will admit that part of their motivation is the mental rush when their non-standard move confounds an opponent. By carefully studying theory but still trusting your instincts, you can keep the game fun while maintaining a sharp edge.

This union of science and art is what makes poker mesmerizing. You might run a GTO simulation to refine your ranges, only to make a creative play in the heat of the moment because you’ve spotted a tell. The result can be a deeply rewarding experience, illustrating that while money might be the initial driver for a minority, the thrill of competition and mastery often carries the day.

Consider a tournament hand with J 10 on the button. You face a raise from middle position, so you call to see a flop of 9 8 3 . You make a small raise when your opponent continuation-bets, hoping to represent a range of top pairs and strong draws. The turn brings the Q , giving you the nut straight. You continue with a value bet that also conceals the strength of your hand. Your opponent folds on the river, clearly uncertain about what you held. Even though you didn’t scoop a huge pot, the satisfaction came from executing a plan that balanced aggression with deception, illustrating how a well-played hand can be a reward in itself.

FAQ

How do players who play “for fun” differ from professional players?

Players in the “fun” category generally see poker as a pastime similar to going to a movie or a nightclub. Professionals view the game as a primary income source and treat each session as a business venture.

Is ego a factor for every poker player?

Not necessarily. Some play purely for relaxation and fun, but many want a competitive edge. Those players enjoy testing their skills, with winning money serving more as a symbol of success than a primary goal.

Why is it so hard to transition from a semi-pro to a pro?

Making the jump from semi-pro to pro requires a level of dedication and skill that can’t be part-time. Pros must consistently study, choose tables wisely, manage bankrolls meticulously, and treat poker like a full-time job.

What motivates a “Fun Plus a Little Spending Money” player?

They aim to gain enough skill and discipline to come out ahead, but only to the extent that it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment factor. Their focus is on modest winnings without sacrificing other priorities like work and family.

What are modern strategies that appeal to serious recreational players?

Many serious recreational players are now exploring concepts like GTO to sharpen their technique. They might study balanced ranges to avoid obvious leaks but still incorporate intuitive plays that make the game exciting and adaptable to particular table dynamics.

Does striving to win money always guarantee more fun?

Not really. For many, the primary enjoyment of poker comes from mental challenge, social engagement, and the satisfaction of executing a strategy effectively. The financial reward can be secondary or even irrelevant compared to the thrill of playing well.

Recommended