It's no secret that I'm a bit of a poker fan. I run a regular game and the odd "pickup" game has been know to spontaneously erupt around the TS/FC offices with some regularity. There's lots of reasons for that.

Poker is fun, a great way to network, and has a significantly lower risk of being rained out then golf.

But beyond that I feel the poker has a lot in common with being a startup founder.

1. You get in the game with a couple of cards that seem like they might be a good idea. As the data changes, you might realize you're not as sure about those cards as your were to begin with. Maybe time to pivot into a new hand.

2. The best flop in the world can't make up for a crappy team of hole cards.

3. Sometimes your opponent looks like they're holding all the cards. But when they finally flip them over, you see they weren't as far ahead as they represented.

4. Being aggressive (and smart) is a powerful stategy.

5. No matter how "good" a player you are, sometimes you're going to go all-in and lose. The question is are you going to get up from the table and leave? Or are you going to call for a new rack of chips and play another hand?

6. Being low on chips is not always bad. In fact, it can add the perfect amount of pressure and imminency to help you win. It forces you all-in, in a way that being the chip leader doesn't.

Now you'll have to excuse me, my chips are waiting for me downstairs and getting blinded away.