Poker Enthusiast Shares How Family Reacted to His Hobby

Alexander Polivanov, a poker enthusiast who is not a professional player, shares his experiences with how family members react to a loved one's poker hobby. Poker is officially banned in Russia, though only casino activities are prohibited, not the game itself.

Polivanov's parents initially feared for him but supported him after he explained his hobby. His grandfather, however, told him a story about a neighbor who lost everything, including her chandelier, to card games. This story initially worried Polivanov, but he managed to convince his grandfather not to worry.

Some parents supported their children's poker hobby, seeing it as a healthier alternative to other games like World of Warcraft. They believed that a bit of live interaction and card games would benefit their children, who previously spent hours playing other games. Families where some members already played games with a bit of excitement found it easier to accept poker, often needing only a brief explanation of the rules.