There are many poker players, from beginners to experienced players, who have a mistaken impression of what poker is really about. The reputation of poker and its complexity gives way to many misconceptions. There are people who envision poker as a game played by outlaws in dark basements filled with cigar smoke. There are others who see poker as an easy way to get rich quick. Perceptions of poker are based on the individual; each person has his or her own idea of what poker is about. There is no right or wrong answer, but there are misconceptions you should dispel before delving into the world of poker.
Decision Making is Crucial
Poker is centered on your ability to make decisions. As you learn to make better decisions, you will become more successful at winning pots. One of your main goals in poker is to make as many good decisions as you can and simultaneously influence your opponents to make mistakes. The famous poker author, David Sklansky, says a poker mistake is a decision that is different from what you would have made if you had known what your opponent was holding.
In some cases, even if you knew what your opponent was holding, it would not be obvious what the right decision was. On top of not knowing what your opponent is holding, you don't have all the information about your opponent's response to your decision. Thus, a poker mistake is a decision that is different from what you would have made if you had known what your opponent was holding and the response of your opponent; the opposite of optimal play.
Poker as a Game of Skill
Optimal play may be defined by a purely mathematical equation involving actions, like a call all-in for a draw if the odds permit it. Optimal play can also be defined as the action of deducing what your opponent is holding determined by the known cards, his or her response to your previous decisions in the hand or his or her pattern of betting along with predicting your opponent's response based on all the information you have. This is what makes poker a game of skill. In order to achieve optimal play, you will have to make disciplined, patient and even risky decisions. Poker takes years to master and playing optimally is truly an art.
Poker as a Game of Chance
Optimal play can be achieved when you have all or some of your money in the pot and are holding the highest hand at the time. But, if not all the cards in the hand have been dealt, another player could get a higher hand. It is also possible for you to be holding a premium hand and still lose to an opponent who has an even higher hand. This is why poker is also a game of chance. You cannot control how the cards are dealt and at times, this will determine the winner. An experienced player may lose to a novice because of chance and the optimal play will create a complete loss.
Poker as a Game of Skill and Chance
There is constant debate as to whether poker is a game of skill or a game of chance. In terms of the legality of poker, this is what it has boiled down to. It is clear that skill and chance are both part of the poker game but the question is which one has more influence? Is it feasible to decrease the effects of chance by strategy? Does chance affect beginners who do not have a good understanding of poker strategy more than it does professional players? Does chance have a greater affect on a risky player than a conservative player? Also, how does this element of chance differ from the trading of stocks or starting a new business? It is possible that some stock traders deal more with chance and "gamble" more than many poker players.
Modern Day Poker
Many people in the world today have access to poker. There are millions of people who play live or online poker. Others may watch poker tournaments on television. For those who enjoy getting outside on a beautiful day, the idea that some people are sitting at home while on their computers in darkness, is difficult to understand.
The True Nature of Poker
Does poker simply come down to a question of money? The chance to win and the risk to lose money definitely adds emotion and interest to the game. If you believe poker is only about money, then you will likely only play to win as much money as you can. In order to achieve this though, you will need to make the best decisions that you can. You will also need to develop your bluffing skill so you can achieve optimal play and make your opponents falter. You also cannot control chance, but it does take years to master poker, so chance may be just a small portion of the poker equation.
