Skill Vs Chance

With London's best card room, The Gutshot, having to defend themselves in court against the charge of profiting from games of chance, the issue of whether Poker is predominately a game of skill or luck looks set to surface yet again.

My take on it is simple unless possessed of psychic powers and the ability to see into the future there will always be an element of chance in any competitive event. David Beckham, when taking a penalty must hope that he is not unlucky enough to trip at the last minute or that the goal keeper does not guess the direction he intends to kick the ball. Of course the keeper will be scrutinizing him for the slightest clue and make a decision based on factors ranging from body language to previous efforts, this is exactly what poker players do.

If played properly a good player will consistently have the edge over a weaker player in just the same way that one boxer will be able more often than not to knock out another, that is unless felled by a lucky punch!

Our gaming laws are outdated far from protecting people from the lure of gambling they encourage a society where slot machines take pride of place in every pub and chip shop and where everyone over the age of 16 can buy scratch cards, visit a Bingo Hall or walk into a bookmaker at will, yet we seek to actively discourage them from taking part in a pastime that requires years of learning to become good at. If Poker really where more chance than skill, it would be impossible for people to make a living playing it. Since there is a healthy and growing community of such players surely the case should be closed.