Don't Trust Anyone...

by foxypham on 10/16/07

Throughout my life, I have been seen by other people as somewhat of a "realist".My thoughts about the world and life in general has been described as negative or pessimistic, though these so called negative opinions are based from actual experiences. I have made a considerable effort recently to become more positive and try to look at the brighter side of things. Unfortuantely, I have put myself in a horrible situation and I feel I must share it so others can learn from the error of my ways.

Since my short sucess in poker, I have been extremely generous with my winnings. I have helped out a couple friends in need and also assisted my parents into a more comfortable lifestyle. I feel obligated to do these things as I have been extremely lucky to have the opportunity to play a "game" as my source of income while many other people I know are working countless hours a week at jobs that they just plain out HATE just to make ends meet. Well I've overextended my genorosity and it has cost me big time.

The Story

The point of this story is not single out a so called friend who has become my achillles heel, but to learn a valuable lesson about trust in the gambling world. I am going to use the fake name "Ted" to conceal the true indentity of the person whom I'm speaking about. I met Ted a couple years ago as we were playing in the same Philly area card clubs. We would soon be driving together to these clubs and I saw Ted as a nice guy to have around to discuss poker strategy and further both our games. About a year ago, we discussed moving to Atlantic City so we both could take a legitimate "shot" at making it in the poker world. It took us an entire year to finally make the move to AC as I was lazy about the entire process and Ted was working trying to build up a poker bankroll. After my two scores at Borgata, I was finally serious about moving to AC this past Sept. and having Ted around I thought would help me immensely in this transition. We could evaluate eachother's game, share living expenses, and it would give me a friend in an unknown place. The only problem was that Ted never built a bankroll during the past year when we were contemplating the move to Atlantic City. Ted just kept making all these mistakes that was stunting himself from building a true bankroll. First, it was sportsbetting and getting over his head with his bookie. Then, he had planned to come down for the Summer Borgata Open to play some prelim events. He ended up going on "life tilt" and blew nearly his entire poker bankroll for the trip on blackjack. So when it was time to move to AC, Ted didn't have the upfront moving expenses. Me being naive and believing in Ted's good faith, I decided to front all the money for our new apartment. To further assist him, I staked Ted in NL cash games where somehow he ran worst than Mike Matusow. The final blow came when I had some cash on hand in our apt (I know not a good idea) and Ted claims that people who he owed money from his past came to our apt. so Ted panicked and gave them the money I had in our apt. So now between the money I've loaned him, staking, and this lastest fiasco half my bankroll has been destroyed due to this relationship.

There are many other details that are missing, but I think all of you get the gist of the story. I wish I have never met Ted and gotten so deeply involved like I have. I have made so many mistakes in this relationship it grosses me out just thinking about it. There were also so many warning signs that gave away that Ted would not be a reliable friend/roomate and I am sick about it everyday that I did not open my eyes until it was too late. Whenever money is involved, you must be extremely cautious to who you associate yourself with. If you decide to play poker for a living, you will run into many seedy characters in the gambling world who are trying to take a shot at you. I know these types of stories in the poker world are a dime a dozen, but I thought I would be smarter than that and now it has happend to me and I must deal with it. This fiasco has set me back significantly, but I feel more determined to be successful in not just poker, but everything I decide to pursue in my life. If just one person learns from my mistakes, then this entry will be well worth writing.

7 Comments

Comments

EdmondDantes says

Ouch. If it's any consolation (and it won't be), most of us have a similar story. Hang in there.

10/17/07

Anonymous says

The most important thing here is that you have learned a really valuable lesson from your good natured gestures. You should also balance your current unhappy feelings with the joy of being healthy and looking forward to a fruitful future both in poker and in life. All roads have bumps. Although you did travel a pretty bumpy one you now seem to be on a nice level path. Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure it will help many people.. All the best!

10/17/07

Mr_Taterhead says

Ouchie. I to have a similar story as yours. We all learn by our mistakes. You just gotta chalk it up as a life lesson. There are only a few people in my circle of friends that I will ever loan money to. You find out who your real friends are when you loan them money.

Best of Luck.

10/17/07

xxrod17xx says

Im sorry to hear about everything. I hope you are able to sustain living and playing now that Ted is involved. Did he leave the house? You are in a situation where you are going to have to (or you may already have) make a decision to kick him out/never speak to him again.

GL

10/18/07

xxrod17xx says

10/18/07

foxypham says

Luckily, I can still sustain living in AC, but will have to play lower stakes for awhile. I've decided to move out of my apt. within the next month as it is an unwelcomed reminder of what happened. Thanks for the support everyone!

10/18/07

YABI (Anonymous) says

How's everything been? How's grinding out in AC? Shit like this makes you stronger man. You'll do fine.

BTW... I hate to break it to you but...

You're tagged! Surf on over to see why.
http://sjpcyabi.blogsspot.com

11/04/07

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