Poker, Sport or Game?

[mr_niceguy_1979]

I think the key words in the definition on the wiki for "mind game" sports is that they need to have "little to no element of chance". i think Poker has more than a "little element" of chance therefore it is not a sport. All sports have some elements of chance or luck, but I think poker relies on more than just a little. Chess however requires more skill than chance

[Des]

Looks at the pro's... either they are really lucky, or maybe over time luck evens out.

[David]

No luck doesn't even out for the pros.. luck wins out!

I liken it to a mate of mine who makes half his living betting on horses and trots.

He records Fox Sky Racing, goes to events, reads reports and writes his own form guide to use.

He then bets accordingly - and makes half his living.


Compare that to someone who walks into the TAB and puts $50 on a random horse or dog. A lot less chance of winning - but could get lucky.

If you study any form of gambling related game or pastime you can work things in your favour - over time.

[Origami]

Your mate David is practicing and honing his skill eliminating or minimizing the chance / luck factor.

A comment read somewhere Poker Pros only place in 50% or less of their Events , they just Place/pay well in the Big Monies. Many get free invites/entries appearance monies as I call it. to cover the Events.

dont quote me but Gus Hansen and other "pros " have not won a 'major, event since 2004/5 ??

Bit like collecting points at a venue to get to SF or qualifiying for some other Tourny.

[rcon]

You can't really compare horse racing with poker can you David? Unless of course you are training the cards - horses have physical characteristics which can be trained and evaluated. They will run similar races, cards don't last time I check.

True "sports" I would have thought you can minimize the variables with skill - golf by hitting the green, footy by kicking to someone so they can mark. You really can't do that with cards.

tho there was this guys dealing the other day.....

[David]

No, cards don't have physical characteristics which can be trained and evaluated...

But people do.

It's a good thing you don't play poker alone

[rcon]

I knew I should have preempted that point in my post!

Sure you can preempt the people, as in other sports, but you still don't have control over the physical outcome. Phil Ivey/Helmuth etc, can play perfect poker and still lose. Tiger Woods plays perfect golf, he ain't gonna lose.

I guess the whole question comes down to if you believe sports need to have some physical characteristic you can train yourself to control with greater skill. I lean in this direction, but not 100%

[David]

My point is that poker, is gambling. Horse racing (betting on) is gambling.

And that, with research, experience, time and knowledge you can increase your chances of winning.

[rcon]

My point is that poker, is gambling. Horse racing (betting on) is gambling.

And that, with research, experience, time and knowledge you can increase your chances of winning.

Wow, how about that? We already agree. note to self: must read posts more throughly.

[David]

Wow, how about that? We already agree. note to self: must read posts more throughly.

Yes

therefore ...

You can't really compare horse racing with poker can you David?

Yes, I can