Losing At Love And Poker. **LAST EVER POST**

[Al Mirpuri]

This is a valedictory address.

The love of my life is to marry someone else.

She cited my poker playing as one reason why our relationship failed. She cited one particular occasion, where I chose poker over her as the moment it was over for her.

I gave my extensive poker book collection to a charity store. I cannot look at a poker book. I kept only two books that, ironically, she bought for me one Christmas as gifts during a happier time.

Overrall, I am only a small cash loser at poker (thanks to these forums). I lost one girl because of poker but I will not lose another. I have a behavioural addiction when it comes to poker. For me it was an escape from the harsh realities of my life. I have played big and small but it was never a case of earning a living at it. I have played poker on and off for twenty years. I came across it when Draw was the biggest game in the world and I am leaving it whilst Hold'em has that distinction.

I have had some great times here. Though I have only ever met one two plus two-er by chance this forum fosters a curious sense of community. Many posts exasperated me. Some of my posts exasperated many.

I want to wish all of you posting here well. I want to particularly thank Dr Schoonmaker for writing a great book and being unflinching in his analysis of player psyches. Doc, poker did not make me rich but took up precious energy and time. It cost me the love of my life. Never again.

I will return here during this week to read any replies but not after that. Please do not expect me to reply in print though.

Good luck, everyone. Keep living and winning!