Could Poker be a Game of Chance?
Hot air balloons have been floated with less air than that expended by serious groups of people who have been carrying on a running argument about the subject of whether or not poker is truly a game of chance.
Without a doubt, no one in their right mind would have this “Game of Chance” discussion about national, state or provincial lottos. Likewise, no one would argue this about a heads or tails coin toss.
It’s not rocket science to anyone but a few die-hard repeat lotto losers that lotto or coin tosses are simply a roll of the dice figuratively and literally. No amount of prayer helps the 2.3 million people who pray monthly for a Super6 Win in the national lotto.
However when it comes to Poker there is always something peculiar about the arguments brought to bear on the matter. Speculation, conjecture and a lack of common sense was the norm. It appeared that true scientifically researched answers were not to be had… until recently…
A February article in the magazine Gaming Law Review tries to lay this issue to rest. Micheal and Douglas of the Western Reserve University in Cleveland basically “had a go” at it. There really is only one way to prove or disprove most theories, right? Test, test, test!
Michael and Douglas set up two groups of students. One was given actual poker instruction in the form or strategy tips and the other control group was given lessons on the history of poker. Imagine, in your mind, if you would, two control sets of earnest minded students being given strategy tips and history on the flipping of coin. You can stop laughing now…
Surprisingly enough, after the results were tabulated several interesting things came to light. Firstly, the test group who was given strategy tips did significantly better at the game than the history buffs. Big surprise there for the decision makers on Capital hill. Secondly, even the history buffs improved their game outcomes significantly the more they played the game. Just try that with a lotto.
So for those of you who are about to strip a white rabbit of his limbs in your quest for luck. Drop the knife and improve your skills at our PokerSchool now! Knowledge is free; loosing your money at the table is not.
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