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Assani's Poker Thread (2 Viewers)
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Assani Fisher
Footballguy
The bolded is the absolute key!
Self-awareness is a huge part of poker. I've thrived at poker. Our debate here is one in which you are criticizing my self awareness.
It'd be like if you criticized Tom Brady's throwing motion. Then when someone points out that you got cut from the high school team and have never coached in your life, you say "I'm not sure how thats relevant. I don't claim to be a professional QB."
If you don't claim to be a professional poker player, then perhaps you should take a more humble attitude when speaking to a professional poker player about a topic that is paramount to winning at poker. I never get upset at debates in this thread, but it is frustrating that you are approaching this entire topic as if you are the one that should be educating me. I don't claim to be great at all that much in life- but poker and weed are two things I know REALLY well!
Assani Fisher
Footballguy
Have you ever tried using it 100% as a medicine with no focus whatsoever on the "fun side effects"?
I've had conversations like this quite a bit where a person claims they tried it and it wasn't beneficial. Almost always it ends up being some combo of:
-Them doing it really young
-Not monitoring dosage
-Mixing with alcohol or other drugs
-In a party setting
I would advise taking the smallest hit possible and then doing something where your mind is free to roam(meditation, cardio exercise, yoga, walk around the block, etc.). Specifically focus on the new ways it enables you to think and ask yourself if those ways of thinking might have some benefit in certain areas. Report back.
strawman arguments are fun
I think it was around September 2004 when I quit my sales job at Cablevision. Since then I have worked no other job than poker(well I tried to professionally sports bet, but I ended up losing like $30k, lol).He's gotta be getting money from somewhere, right? Maybe he's a valet/donk?
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Assani Fisher
Footballguy
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
great to see you succeeding at you dream job.
also great to see that you are still self-critical, open-minded yet strong in your convictions.
I am not sure about all the hub-bub about smoking. Most people who smoke react into 1 of 2 categories-
1) hyper visually aware and externally focused- time slows down: great for poker)
2) become internally focused and mis much of the external world (not good at all for poker)
Again, glad everything is working well for you. I always knew you could be great.
also great to see that you are still self-critical, open-minded yet strong in your convictions.
I am not sure about all the hub-bub about smoking. Most people who smoke react into 1 of 2 categories-
1) hyper visually aware and externally focused- time slows down: great for poker)
2) become internally focused and mis much of the external world (not good at all for poker)
Again, glad everything is working well for you. I always knew you could be great.
Assani Fisher
Footballguy
Thanks for the kind words. I wouldn't say everything is great(I was just defending myself against those insinuating I couldn't make it in poker), but overall I think I've learned a ton and most importantly am far and away the best poker player I've ever been. I'm fully understanding the mental side much much better as I get older- I imagine a lot of your old posts probably went over my head just due to my youth/inexperience, but I'd appreciate them more now.
Poker is definitely a weird career....most people work hard, get better, and make more money; Poker players made way more money than they ever deserved back in the early days of online poker, but now that they've actually gotten good at their jobs they're making far less(on average). Its taught me a ton though- being able to grind through variance produces a certain amount of character I never would've had otherwise.
I feel as if I can do big things in this industry. Black Friday and losing all the Full Tilt money set us collectively back a ton, but now that 2 years have passed, I can actually view it as something that made me stronger and more prepared for the future. I'm still dreaming very big- wanna be the very best, traveling the world to play in huge tournaments, etc, etc. Definitely understand that I still have a long ways to go though.
Otis
Footballguy
I'm not criticizing your poker playing. I'm criticizing your claim and the claims of all your stoner friends that weed makes them better at poker.
Otis
Footballguy
commisholio
Come out with your pants down!
You should re-evaluate, Otis. You don't know as much about this as you think you do. Don't you think a bunch of poker pros are in a better place than you to judge whether or not it makes them better? It's their bankroll on the line.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Otis, you can drink and not be alcoholic. You can eat cookies and not be fat. You can smoke and not be a stoner.As I said, I know artists who make better work when high and artists who make terrible work when high. I have met poker players who play better high and poker players who are terrible high. It is simple enough to keep records of plays and see how you are doing in different situations.
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rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Oh well if you're using science in quotation marks you must be right.
Otis
Footballguy
Otis
Footballguy
I bet Keith Richards, Slash and Jimmy Page all played guitar better sober. In fact, I'm certain of it. Somehow that didn't stop them.
Otis
Footballguy
Well I could probably spend 20 minutes of my life digging up study after study about the effects of marijuana on the brain, but rather than me waste my time proving up in painstaking detail the fact that water is wet, let's see the evidence that it's not.
Alias
Footballguy
Assani Fisher
Footballguy
"out of curiosity, do you think your lifestyle is sustainable long term?"
What do you mean by "lifestyle"? Do you mean smoking weed or are you just talking about playing poker in general?
I'm not sure if I'll smoke weed forever....right now it certainly seems like I will, but if you asked me 10 years ago I would've never thought that I would give up drinking like I have- yet I have no desire to drink at all anymore.
As for poker, I have tremendous confidence that I could earn a rather variance-free ~$50k/year grinding low stakes live NL games if it came to that. My edge over random Vegas people on vacation is huge and is in no danger of diminishing anytime soon(nor is live poker in danger of not being available near me anytime soon).
"What does your family think about it?"
They support me fully. We don't outright discuss income very often, but I'd be surprised if I wasn't one of the more successful people in my family when it comes to finances(with a reasonable shot at being the most successful by the time I'm done).
"Do you ever want to have a family of your own, and children"
Yes, most likely
" If so, and if you're on an 18 month streak of no income, how would you make that work?"
Via the exact same methods I've used to never once be late on any bills or payments since I made the decision to move to Vegas and go all out with poker as a career. While undergoing my recent downswing I have kept a place in Las Vegas while living in La Paz, Mexico(fairly cheap) or downtown Toronto, Canada(very expensive), and all the while I've lived a fairly nice lifestyle. If/when I have a wife and kids I will cut back on this type of spending and spend that money on my family instead. In fact, I'm pretty sure I could've easily supported a wife/kids this entire time and had it not been a huge issue(although it would've impacted my decision to play in some games/tournaments).
"And if that does happen -- if you wake up at 35 with no skills and nothing on a resume other than 15 years of professional gambling, but you've met a girl and want to "settle down," what will you do?"
This is an antiquated concern. While I'm not suggesting that all employers would understand it in full, my poker resume speaks volumes about skills that are highly transferable to areas of work such as investment banking.
Apart from this, I have quite a few connections I've made through poker. I could easily get a job in Las Vegas in the poker industry, I have quite a few connections in basketball(even at the NBA level), and most importantly I'm good friends with a bunch of millionaire 20 year olds....we've talked business ideas plenty in the past, and they respect my intellect enough that they'd welcome me to join them in some of their ventures even if I couldn't help out financially at the beginning.
Cliff Clavin
Footballguy
Reporting back: I used to smoke every day but not before work, or exams or anything important. I've tried pretty much everything you mentioned. And I'd agree, at the time I thought it was greatest thing ever. Then I realized it was doing absolutely nothing for me so I quit (well, quit daily use and just very rarely nowadays).
But hey, continue talking like I know nothing about it.
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bostonfred
Footballguy
Wetness describes a state which is discernibly different from dryness specifically because of the addition of water. If you put water on water, its state of nature is not different. It remains water. Thus, water is not wet, in the same way that it cannot be dry. Other things are made wet by water.This is similar to the semantic debate that black is not a color because it is the absence of light. But actually, that's not true. Black is a color, because we can see it, and we can name it, and we can compare two televisions and see that the blacks are blacker on one than the other. Black is the name we've given to a color which doesn't reflect much light. Darkness is the name we've given to the absence of light. True darkness is not black. It is an absence of color due to the lack of reflected light. None of us have experienced true darkness, because it is currently impossible to travel to or survive in any place that's completely free from light radiation. Our eyes would likely be fooled into thinking that we were seeing black, but only because they evolved to interpret different spectra of light reflected back to it by things that we could eat, be killed by, or have sex with.
I bring this up partly because I like to argue, but partly to support your argument by giving an example of the kinds of things that people think about on weed. Meanwhile, you forgot to post your big blind and the dealer's saying, blinds up please. Seat three. Seat three? Hello. Dude, this is like the third time you've totally zoned out here.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Fred
You are definitely a stoner who focuses internally not externally.
You are definitely a stoner who focuses internally not externally.
This discussion is really interesting and I appreciate AF going to great lengths to explain his position.
I think both have a valid argument. It's not unrealistic that weed could help your brain explore deeper scenarios which a sober mind wouldn't necessarily think of. On the flip side I'm curious what impact an impaired short term memory would have on a player. That is obviously a major component of the game. I definitely agree weed affects people in different ways, but memory loss is pretty universal amongst users isn't it?
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Otis
Footballguy
Otis
Footballguy
I know I posted this before, but these seem like pretty ungood things in a game that is largely about thinking, math, problem solving, and memory:
I'd like to see the study that says "holy crap, we tested 100 college kids on pot, and their problem solving skills improved, their memories improved, and they got better at math!"
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Is it really that hard to believe that weed might open your mind to new strategies away from the table, and keep the hours of tedium and boredom from killing you at the table?
Both those things seem pretty likely to me.
Both those things seem pretty likely to me.
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Hot oat-hauling aside, is he a winning player?
Otis
Footballguy
We're not talking about smoking pot away from the table. I've already been very clear that I don't have a problem with pot.
I have a problem with someone smoking pot and playing poker while stoned and claiming they do it because it makes them a better poker player. That's just not supported by, well, any fact known to science.
We're bordering Larryboy turf here.
I think you could argue that the type of abstract problem solving involved with poker certainly could be heightened by weed in certain individuals.
I don't see math being much of a concern for AF. I imagine after 10 years of playing professionally the math aspect of the game is ingrained fairly deep.
My biggest question is memory retention. Me personally, things are very hazy after smoking, much like how I feel after a day of drinking.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
Slow down here. From wired magazine: Does marijuana make you stupid?www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/08/does-marijuana-make-you-stupid/
A recent paper from university college London suggests that "Interestingly, the scientists found that marijuana seems to induce a state of hyper-priming, in which the reach of semantic priming extends to distantly related concepts. As a result, we hear “dog” and think of nouns that, in more sober circumstances, would seem rather disconnected, such as “leash” or “hair.” This state of hyper-priming helps explain why cannabis has been so often used as a creative fuel, as it seems to make the brain better at detecting those remote associations that lead to radically new ideas."
Link to study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20122742
More from article
"And this returns us to marijuana: Putting people in a positive mood roughly doubled their accuracy at the task. All of a sudden, they were twice as good at identifying problems with possible solutions. This suggests that anything that makes us happier, reducing vigilance and anxiety, might also make us more creative. We can detect more remote associations, of course, but we also know which associations are worth pursuing, which is probably even more important. It doesn’t matter if it’s pot, chocolate or a stand-up comic — those substances or experiences that put a smile on our face can also increase the powers of the imagination, at least when solving particular creative problems."
Abraham
Footballguy
I'm with Otis here. I don't know if weed makes you a worse player but I feel confident saying it doesn't make you better. Then again, I think it's odd that a person who does this for a true profession doesn't keep accurate records not just of winnings but of every lesson learned at every session. It's a job. And treating it like one will lead to better results.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
I think you are way overreaching Abe. You have had a job. Do you have records of everything you have learned from every session of every day at the job? If not, do you believe that didn't treat the job like a job?
Abraham
Footballguy
I guess I wasn't clear. I would think that if I had a "job" like playing cards for money I would treat it more like a job than a chance to say "let's see if we can make a living at this!"" I don't know AF and this seems to be working well for him. But if it's for a living I would like to think id approach it a bit differently.
Mr.Pack
Footballguy
Good on ya.
But why the need to criticize how he does what he does?
I just don't get what's going on here. Maybe because I'm not a judgmental person, but this is just crazy.
Abraham
Footballguy
I don't mean to criticize and didn't think I had. I was just saying I didn't happen to think that weed would make a person a better player.
Cliff Clavin
Footballguy
Not sure anyone is taking it personally. It's a message board. People argue about stuff.
Otis
Footballguy
scoobus
Footballguy
Link?OK, I just have a personal observation, and a link is not forthcoming. But I always felt that pot made me more sensitive to nonverbal modes of communication. On reflection, I think that could be fairly useful in live poker.
Judge Smails
Footballguy
It doesn't make you a better player but when somebody says "puppies feet" you start laughing uncontrollably
Guster
Footballguy
at all the folks in here complaining about Assani smoking weed while he continues to work a job any of us would dream of having for almost 10 years now. Work. That's what he does. I'm not some big time poker player, but I know that after my monthly friendly poker game, I'm kinda tired of the cards. It's a grind having to be "on" and read situations and players constantly for 4+ hours. This guy has to grind through hand after hand all week long. And he's been doing that for going on 10 years now. He's found his system that works for him, kudos Assani 
Short Corner
Footballguy
Would help if you supported your assertions with facts or studies. Cutting and pasting without giving any info regarding how conclusions were drawn does nothing for your argument.
Post a link Timmy. Or just continue getting abused on the topic.
Otis
Footballguy
Otis
Footballguy
Ok fine, here are some links:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-your-brain-body
http://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/directors-page/messages-director/2013/03/marijuanas-lasting-effects-brain
http://science.howstuffworks.com/marijuana3.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_cannabis
http://www.brainfacts.org/about-neuroscience/ask-an-expert/articles/2013/how-does-marijuana-affect-brain-function/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130827091401.htm
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34110/title/Is-Cannabis-Really-That-Bad-/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=10.1016%2Fj.eurpsy.2011.04.010
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263936.php
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/the-harmful-effects.html
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808
http://headsup.scholastic.com/articles/the-science-of-marijuana
http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v26/n6/full/1395868a.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2352695/Smoking-cannabis-really-DOES-make-people-lazy-affects-area-brain-responsible-motivation.html
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20050207/marijuanas-effects-linger-in-brain
In case you prefer pictures:
https://www.google.com/search?q=effects+of+marijuana'+on+the+brain&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HJ5eUrWzK5Ld4APxv4GgCw&ved=0CGcQsAQ&biw=1168&bih=734
In next week's series we'll discuss whether Cindy Crawford is considered attractive, whether grass is green, and whether drinking alcohol can get you drunk. Stay tuned!
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-your-brain-body
http://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/directors-page/messages-director/2013/03/marijuanas-lasting-effects-brain
http://science.howstuffworks.com/marijuana3.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_cannabis
http://www.brainfacts.org/about-neuroscience/ask-an-expert/articles/2013/how-does-marijuana-affect-brain-function/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130827091401.htm
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34110/title/Is-Cannabis-Really-That-Bad-/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=10.1016%2Fj.eurpsy.2011.04.010
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263936.php
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/the-harmful-effects.html
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808
http://headsup.scholastic.com/articles/the-science-of-marijuana
http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v26/n6/full/1395868a.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2352695/Smoking-cannabis-really-DOES-make-people-lazy-affects-area-brain-responsible-motivation.html
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20050207/marijuanas-effects-linger-in-brain
In case you prefer pictures:
https://www.google.com/search?q=effects+of+marijuana'+on+the+brain&espv=210&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HJ5eUrWzK5Ld4APxv4GgCw&ved=0CGcQsAQ&biw=1168&bih=734
In next week's series we'll discuss whether Cindy Crawford is considered attractive, whether grass is green, and whether drinking alcohol can get you drunk. Stay tuned!
r0llin_game
Footballguy
Lol at the weed talk. Fwiw, I know many high stakes tourney regs that smoke weed everyday that are very successful, along with many high stakes cash regs.
Otis
Footballguy
Assani Fisher
Footballguy
1. The main issue I have with you/Otis in this debate isn't that I disagree with you- its attitude. I'm approaching this as "Let me share my thoughts/experiences, others will share their thoughts experiences, and collectively it will enhance us all." My post towards you was made 100% out of genuinely trying to help, not trying to "act like you know nothing about it." I have no clue why you would take this type of offense to my post.
2. Re-read your first post- Regardless of how much you do know about it, that post comes across as exactly what I would expect from someone who did know nothing about it. You can't make smug, condescending replies and then be surprised when people assume you don't know what you're talking about. Lets have a respectful, intelligent discussion in which we debate the merits of the issue, and I promise you that I will give you full respect and "act like you know plenty about it" during our conversation.
3. " at the time I thought it was greatest thing ever. Then I realized it was doing absolutely nothing for me".....this is incredibly vague. Can you please go into more details? What specifically did you feel that it was helping you with, why do you feel you were mislead, what made you realize you were mislead, and most importantly- once you stopped, what happened to all those areas you thought it was helping you with? Moreover, why are you dismissing the possibility that the younger you was indeed helped by it, but as you got older you were able to achieve the benefits of weed without using it any further? I am very interesting in learning more about this issue, so I'd love to hear your thoughts....but please, lets just have a friendly discussion about it with no need to get offended/emotional.
4. Its especially silly imo that you took offense to me "acting like you know nothing about it" when your first post does that to me WAY MORE than my response did to you. Saying "I remember when my stoner friends convinced themselves that weed helped them study better in high school / college. Now they're convinced that it helps them make better fries" is very condescending and assumes that I'm not able to intelligently discuss this issue without being overcome by emotional bias.
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