Poker and Philosophy: Andy Warhol (Part 2)

by Bodog Poker | Dec 30 2010

Andy Warhol may be an unusual person to pick for a philosophical discussion that relates to poker, but we take a look at an underappreciated quote from the man and how you can relate that to your poker game.

"Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art." - Andy Warhol

Poker is a sport, yes.  It pits player against player and forces each one to use both knowledge of the rules and psychology to win, and it's when you combine psychology and basic knowledge that something very special happens. One definition of art is the creation of something that invokes an emotional response to someone else. Anybody who has lost a high-stakes hand they were sure they had can attest that there is nothing quite like that strange rush of disappointment combined with something that's a bit like danger, and if you've managed to generate that sort of response, there are people out there that who would say that is the highest form of art.

One thing every poker player needs to understand to take their poker game from a pastime and to elevate it to art is that it needs to be approached with an understanding of more than the rules and the odds.  Players should realize that they are essentially being given the equivalent of a palette when they sit down to play: the chips are part of your toolkit, as are the cards. Each time you play a hand, you build a picture. When you limp into a hand in order to get more out of your competition, you're projecting an image of someone who's holding weak cards.  When you bluff, you are essentially acting, telling others that your cards are stronger than theirs.  There's an artistic element to every part of the game, even when it's online poker.

As Warhol's quote points out, though, art and business go hand in hand, especially if you want to treat the game as more than just a diversion.  Treat each hand that you play as if it's more than just a piece of art: it's a piece of art that you want to sell to your opposition and you want to get as high a price as possible for your work. Making other players pay a premium for your work, particularly if you're a naturally tight player, gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to hands that you may want to bluff on.

Treating poker as a business extends beyond the felt, of course. Good bankroll management is part of the game, and you'll want to make sure you're using your investment in your art to its maximum effect. Take the time to learn how to nurture and grow your bankroll and you can create a profitable business that combines sport and art and, yes, a bit of risk-taking and gambling on occasion.

Play online poker at Bodog today.

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