Re: Playing against friends
 

I wouldn't compare Poker with basketball as I play both. When I beat a friend of mine (6'9" monster) the other day, I did so by adjusting my game. I'm only 6'5", so my forte (inside post) was taken away. I adjusted by taking calculated risks with my 3-point shooting. In my opinion, I "bad beat" him. I knew I was good, but I knew he was better.

In poker, I dominate him. He makes a lot of bad plays (bluffing at the pot by ... calling?) and will only win by a bad beat.

In basketball, we can have fun. I'm usually losing, but I try my best. Win or lose, I have fun - if we both try. If it's just a "screw around" game, there is no fun to be had. Same with poker. And that is why I side with the original poster whose name I have suddenly forgotten. He wants to play poker for fun; with people who know what they are doing. I know you think he should find another game, but maybe he can't. I know there was only one poker option where I'm from and holy crap, was it loose.

I don't know. Just my 7 cents. (I'm Canadian.)