Is prayer - or + EV?

[pokahjokah]

The Pros are you have everything to gain (eternal peace/happines/etc.) Even if you don't believe, it gives you time to reflect and be thankful.
The Cons that I can think of are you getting really angry when prayers aren't answered, and maybe the minute it takes out of your day. Discuss.

[Mayhap]

It depends ...
on the content of the prayer.

/M

[dr_venkman]

You can all thank Sklansky for this bullsh*t. A respected poker player starts talking about God and all of a sudden it's hip.

In answer to your question, I think prayer is something best left to the churches and insane asylums. Not like there's alot difference.

Besides, what sort of devoutly religious person plays games of chance anyway?

Love of Money.............Ec. 5:10; 1 Tim. 6:10
Greed.........................Matt. 22:39
Covetousness..............1 Cor. 5:10-11


I hate to be the non-religious person to point this stuff out. In fact I hate it so much I wish I could live in a world where I'd never hear the words religion, Jesus, God or Bible ever again!

"I've tinkered with the Bible a bit, God's owner's handbook. Except it doesn't work" ~Allie Fox, "Mosquito Coast"

[Bodhi]

As truth is the aim of our beliefs, I would say that prayer is -EV. All the good feelings in the world don't make up for a big, fat lie.

[Derek in NYC]

This has been debated before. See here.

[Shaman]

It depends on how you do it. Specifically, whether you are THANKING or ASKING.

If your prayer emphasizes THANKING then it is positive EV because it will give you the power to take responsibility and have control over your circumstances. Example: Thank your for giving me the ability to take responsibility for my life. Thank you for giving me the ability to find a way through this. Thank you for my talents. Thank you for my senses (eyes, ears, nose, touch, taste). Thank you for Theory of Poker, Gambling Theory and Other Topics, and Super/System that I don't now have to learn how to play using trial and error. Etc.

If your prayer emphasizes ASKING then it is negative EV because it will lead you towards not taking responsibility for your life. Example: God, please don't give me too many bad beats. Please make all of my opponents unlucky. Please let my AAs hold up. Etc.

When you THANK you see more of the things that you are in control of. When you ASK you become blind to all the assets and strenghts that you ALREADY possess. You also let go of personal responsibility. just my 2 cents.

[Thigh]

I think it's definitely +EV.

"Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...Jesus, God, or Bible...

[dr_venkman]

I guess you can't 'Imagine' that world.

I wondered if you could.

[Mayhap]

[ QUOTE ]
Besides, what sort of devoutly religious person plays games of chance anyway?

Love of Money.............Ec. 5:10; 1 Tim. 6:10
Greed.........................Matt. 22:39
Covetousness..............1 Cor. 5:10-11

[/ QUOTE ]

Curiously, these things can get you in trouble at the poker table.

/M

[parttimepro]

Perhaps if you're thinking about EV while you pray, it becomes -EV.