Never thought this would be the case....

[Aequitas58]

Playing poker ... and gambling in general, can almost "de-sensitize" one's appreciation of money. Like Johnny Chan said, chips are ammunition. The more ammunition you have, the better your odds of winning the war.

I played in a home game NL tournament this weekend where my AA were cracked by 78s. I played it right, but he hung on to his suited cards and won. Shit happens. I shrugged, said nice hand, and went on the porch to have a cigarette. The other players couldn't believe I kept my cool the way I did, but I told them I was used to it. (Thanks PartyPoker!)

These people aren't daily players, and I'd be surprised if they played more than once a week. They must not be used to the swings in poker, and for the beginner, it's hard to actually stomach when "shit happens."

When I lose money, I fret more over my bad plays / ability as opposed to the lose money. Lost money can be regained ... bad poker plays can stick - costing me more money.