I've Lost Interest In Poker

A member of our discussion group wrote, ”I have a silly, yet relevant question…

“It seems I’ve lost a lot of my compulsion for playing poker lately. There’s a lot going on in my life right now personally – new job, little income, an issue of imminent death in the family, and a few other things. I’m really wondering why I’m not compelled to play poker right now, as usual. I miss it.”

It’s certainly not a silly question. I’m sure that many, perhaps even most players occasionally lose interest in poker. It’s happened to me several times.

I must also comment on the words “compulsion” and “compelled.” Compulsions are unhealthy, and reducing them is highly desirable. Unless poker an important source of necessary income, it’s primarily a game, and games should not become compulsions. In fact, compulsive players are sick people.

Your loss of interest in poker sounds healthy to me. You’ve got much more important things to think about, and they deserve your full attention.

In addition, if you have income and other pressures, you’re unlikely to play well. You may not concentrate enough, and financial pressures could severely harm your play. If you’re afraid of losing, you’ll probably play timidly and passively, that is badly.

You could then easily lose money you can’t afford which would add to the financial and other pressures you’re already under. That pressure could reduce your ability to cope with your new job, the imminent death, and other problems.

I think the smartest thing you could do is take a break. Concentrate on your more important problems, and wait until you really want to play poker. When the desire returns, the games will be waiting, and you will play better.

As always, I realize that my answer is incomplete and hope other people comment.
1. Have you had periods that you just didn’t feel like playing?
2. When and why did they occur?
3. What did you do about these feelings?
4. Do you have any recommendations?