[imthatguy]

My father-in-law a few months ago, jokingly mentioned to me that if his investments hit a certain dollar amount, that he and I would be going to the WSOP next year. I figured that he was just goofing around, so I went along with it.

I get a call the other night when I'm at work, and it turns out he wasn't joking. He's prepared to pay for the buy-ins and accomodations in the next WSOP.

Now, here's my problem. I'm a decent player, but I wouldn't say that spending ten grand on me would be a good investment. I'd feel pretty terrible when I busted out in the first hand. On an related note, the rest of the family feel that my father-in-law and I have a near-unhealthy obsession with poker, and they don't share in the enthusiasm of going to the big show. They think the money would be better spent in the form of a downpayment on a house.

So, do I dissapoint my father-in-law, or the rest of the family? Help me out here, playing would be a dream come true, but having money for a home would be pretty great too.

[Wylecoyo]

That’s a really tough call. While I am normally inclined to try and make the “wise” investment with my money, this may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity to live a dream and possibly hit it big while doing so. Yes I know skill and experience make a huge difference over the course of a professional gamblers career, but, based on a fair amount of previous WSOP winner’s pre-championship credentials, luck and timing can be even more important in the short term.

In all honesty, it’s your father-in-laws money and this may be your best/only opportunity to have someone sponsor you. If you win or even place in the money you would be able to repay him and maybe even keep a substantial amount for you to invest in a home. If you lose it would still be a great experience with bragging rights you could never fully expend.

When it comes down to it, I really don’t feel comfortable advising you one way or the other. You have to make the choice you feel is right for you and your family. I would just remind you that nobody ever achieves greatness without a fair amount of risk – if it were easy or safe everyone would do it and you wouldn’t be able to make excessive amounts of money doing so. Bill Gates was told he would never amount to anything as a college drop-out and look where he is now. At the same time, for every player who ends up in the money there are exponentially more who walk away with $10K worth of memories. We all have to choose our moments in life and this is a choice only you can make.

[jldecarlo]

If he offers you the money to do with what you please, then you have to do what is right for you and your family - and that means not gambling with money that is better spent on other things.

If he offers to take you to the WSOP, without implying that the $$ will go to you otherwise (and you think he can afford it, although from the sound of it that's not a problem), then I would take him up on it and have a great time.

I also think you need to take your family's wishes into consideration. If they think you have a gambling problem, you need to consider that carefully. If they just think you spend too much time playing with chips, chatting on the 'net, and playing poker with your buddies (but not that you're spending the grocery money on poker) -- well, welcome to the club.

I doubt that helps much, but that's my 2¢.


L

[Wooderson]

Originally Posted by imthatguy

On an related note, the rest of the family feel that my father-in-law and I have a near-unhealthy obsession with poker, and they don't share in the enthusiasm of going to the big show. They think the money would be better spent in the form of a downpayment on a house.

Is this your family or your wife's family that you're talking about? Or both?

If you had $10k to with what you liked, what would you spend it on otherwise?

[scottoc]

Do both if possible.
Take 5k and put it away or use for the family.
Take the other 5k to the WSOP and play in a couple early events like the 1 or 2k buy-ins and a 1 table 1k shootout for the main event. Who knows, you could make a good cash in one of the smaller games or win the SO.

[dad604]

I can tell you what my son said to me. He thinks that he has a better chance to win a life style change sum of money at the WSOP than by buying lottery tickets. I happen to agree with him on that statement.

It is once in a lifetime chance. Go for it if you think you have any chance at all. If you are a decent player, all you need is a bit of luck during that period.

[Oldcycles]

Tough choice.
I wish I had your problem.

Maybe go and play a satellite to the main.

[TenPercenter]

Fold or hang tough. Call or raise the bet. These are decisions you make... Sometimes the odds are stacked so clear there's only one way to play it. Other times, like holding a small pair against two over cards.... Then it's all about feel, what's in your guts.

[Wooderson]

To coat-tail what Ten said, you've got amazing pot-odds. They are probably only slightly worse than your odds to improve.

[T-Bone]

Asking the question at this forum kind of indicates what answer you are looking for..... does it not?