Poker is a game of skill because successful players can make a career from their play. With the high casino advantages in house-banked games such as roulette, craps and slot machines, no individual player can truly be considered a “professional” gambler at those games. While some games like blackjack, video poker and sports betting do require a measure of skill for success, none of them carry the same advantages to the intelligent player that poker does.
Poker is a game of chance because the best player does not always win. In chess, when an experienced master of the game faces a rookie player, the veteran will always find a way to “checkmate” his opponent. In poker, even when the better player puts all of his money in with the better hand, a slim chance still exists that a new player will catch a lucky card and take down the pot.
Poker is a game of skill because experienced players know when to fold a bad hand. Unlike in most other gambling games, players can often look at their cards before committing any money to the pot. Veteran poker players understand situational play and will avoid any hands that would put them at a disadvantage, while neophyte players will chase cards and spend good money after bad.
Poker is a game of chance because players often go through “hot” and “cold” streaks. Even some of the best players have gone years between major tournament wins. Some have even had lengthy droughts between tournament cash finishes. In the meantime, they must continue to pour more money down a hole in the hopes of catching up to their losses.
While the results of the argument may be inconclusive, the debate will continue in cardrooms, churches and legislative halls for some time to come.
