A common argument advanced for learning from peers is, that because they think differently. You are exposed to a fresh viewpoint and your understanding has expanded.
Rebuttal: Assuming both you and your friend are excellent players; it is reasonable to conclude that each of your games are designed, coordinated, and implemented to mesh with a particular set of skills, an image, strategies-including strategies within strategies, and then becomes functional with a chess like plan based on those criteria. Attempting to implement what works for him may be a colossal mistake for you. Consider the idea Pete Rose taking hitting lessons from Mickey Mantle, and borrowing his bat. Then, if you can, imagine Joe Montana attempting to play QB with the reckless abandon of a Brett Favre. In poker the dangers are magnified because of the nature of random. A successful venture into Danny Negreanu’s small ball game in one event might distort your game for months–because you won and thought it fit you! It might take months for you realize that the first step was a poor choice, and many more months experimenting before you end the slump. Can your friend help? No; because he is still winning with a strategy that fits him, and he is certain that it is a grand idea because it was validated by your early results.
A peer offers a comfortable place to blow off steam is another reason offered.
Rebuttal: Venting is a valuable emotional release. Venting can also serve to demoralize your friend. A potential for reinforcing each other’s negative emotions can become a very real danger. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is every players continuing challenge. Selecting the best “partner” for those days that venting is essential is important. Selecting someone who really doesn’t care, or might be hurt in the process is a bad idea.
A study buddy can greatly reduce the chore of keeping current is a third potential advantage.
Rebuttal: This is one of the oldest fallacies of friendship. It sounded good when you were in high school and it sounded great when you went to college. Some of you have even learned that it was an appealing concept when a partnership was contemplated. Most of us know that it’s Bull Shit. Hard work, especially studying, is always has an alluring alternative-and her name is fun. Two poker players studying Sklansky, Chen, and Negreanu is a siren call for pizza, beer, cheetos, and marijuana. The recipe, however, never quite gets the cake baked. Sorry Charlie – this is a career that requires hard work.
A poker peer can enhance your growth by providing a challenge and competition-a 4th.
Rebuttal: Let me get this clear; someone is contending that intense competition is an inherent advantage of having a poker buddy who is also your study pal, your mentor, and the person you trust to tell your darkest secrets and fears to. This person who is the poster child (as you should be) for a predatory game is also committed to making you better. I don’t believe it! The concept is so inherently flawed that is goes beyond inconsistent to foolish.
An off shoot of the poker buddy concept that is often advanced for learning purposes is the group study and research program. May I suggest that those who hope this might work in poker ask any of their friends that attended law school. The law professor assigns 5 people to research the precedents and the next week 2/3 of the work has been done by one person, another has done 20% (his share), and the other three students have completed the other 14% of the work-poorly. The result is that hate, anger, and jealousy are abundant.
