16 Nov 08 Bookshelf: Zen and the Art of Poker
It’s been said that the true poker player is by nature intuitive, compulsive, aggressive, calculating, relentless, and one-dimensional. However, in my experience the one-dimensional, single-minded sort of gambler crashes and burns sooner or later, usually sooner. In Zen and the Art of Poker
A key aspect of the game of poker is patience: folding hand after hand while remaining calm and cool. Zen masters practice the art of sitting quietly in a temple, focusing on their breath. Poker players practice the art of sitting quietly at a table, focusing on their cards. Breath in, breath out, look at the cards, muck the cards. It’s easy to see the continuum in accepting and releasing each breath or hand.
But what happens when it’s time to play? The zen concept of non-attachment means de-coupling our emotions from the outcome we desire. It’s great to win a hand, but investing your emotions in every pot is a recipe for a very unhappy poker player. You’re going to win some and lose some, and learning to accept either outcome with equanimity is one of of life’s more important lessons. My advice to any aspiring poker player is to begin by reading Phillip’s book.
09 Nov 08 Bookshelf: Coyote Blue
Christopher Moore writes novels that blend offbeat characters, deities and chaos into an absurdly humorous mix. In Coyote Blue
When Coyote got home his wife was waiting. “Beaver took the lodge,” she said.
“Yep,” Coyote said.
“Where’s your ass?” she asked.
“Beaver got that too.”
“You know,” she said, “there’s a twelve-step program for gambling. You should look into it.”
“Twelve steps.” Coyote laughed. “I’ll bet I can do it in six.”
