In that case, I'll go 'all in'

By mark cripps

I've never been much of a gambler when it comes to money. I've run with the bulls in Pamplona, and I willingly went to Bosnia during the war in Yugoslavia in the 1990s. I'm not afraid to take risks, as long as there's no money involved.

My appreciation for a hard-earned dollar started very early in life.

Growing up, dad would always fulfill our monetary requests (within reason), but you'd have to work for it.

One summer I scraped, sanded and repainted all the evestroughs and exterior doors and other fascia on our family home. This was the price for a new bass guitar, so I could play in a punk rock band. It took me months, every day getting up, getting motivated to do that work in the hot summer heat. But I was 15, and I wanted that bass guitar.

If I wanted to borrow the car for a date, or us it to go out with friends, I had to clean it first.

That was just the way things worked in our household.

I'm sure there were times back then when I didn't like it much. But in the end, it taught me that you had to work to get things in life. It's a common lesson most parents try and teach their kids, although I have to wonder sometimes these days.

There's no harm in collectively contributing to the success of a family. And there's nothing wrong with parents who demand participation from their children.

Within that upbringing, I never really developed a passion to take risks when it came to the money I earn.

Sure I invest for the future, but it's a real struggle for me to peel money out of my wallet when the odds are so stacked against me. At least tempting fate is a 50/50 chance.

Over the years, I've dropped in to a few casinos, but I can't ever remember spending more than $50. I never won either, but for the number of times I actually went to a casino, I never seemed to get upset at losing $50.

I've played in a few poker games over the years as well, and I always apply the same rules. No more than $50, no matter what the urge. If I lose, I am content to watch others battle it out. Or I'll just play euchre with the other losers.

I've played in a few mixed poker games where I actually won $50, but most of the time I just break even.

It's been interesting to watch the recent craze over Texas Hold'em Poker. Tournaments are broadcast on television regularly. New people are being introduced to internet poker in this Texas Hold'em craze.

One of my friends plays all the time, and actually wins real money. But it's not for me. Like I said, I gamble mainly because others want to, so I participate.

Another buddy plays in a regular game each week. I know many people already play poker on a regular basis, but it sure seems like more and more are playing now. Maybe it just came out of the underground?

On Saturday, I played in an 18-man Texas Hold'em tourney with a bunch of friends. It was fun... $20 a person per game. I played two games over the span of four hours.

I like playing this type of poker, because it's one fee and nobody gets crazy and mad because they lost a whack of dough.

Nothing worse than seeing a guy lose his rent money in a game of poker.

I lost the first game really quickly. Should have 'folded'em', not 'holded'em'.

The second game I did really well. I was up large, but lost my concentration because I was excited.

I went 'all in' against the other large stack on the table. I was holding two pairs, and had just won four of the previous six hands. I missed a straight on the turn cards, and lost.

I was upset only briefly because I should have been paying attention, but it was a lesson learned and no real harm done. Plus, the ride was fun.

That's another reason why I don't gamble. I don't have the patience to sit tight until the time is right.

By the way, my buddy who plays poker online during his spare time... well, he won both games on the night.

I'll never become a regular poker player, despite the interest I have in watching the game.

But I can understand the lure of gambling. It seems like easy and free money, but it's only free for a few. The rush is dangerous for those without self control.

I sometimes wonder if people with gambling addictions grew up the same way I did? I wonder if they learned the lessons in life about the value of a dollar earned? Why am I able to control the urge to try my luck?

Whatever the case may be, I'd rather try my luck being chased by a pack of angry bulls in the streets of Pamplona any day. At least I can control those odds - run, or be run over. In that case, I'll go all in.