Is poker a sport?

[babydrago9]

Been discussing this A LOT with my friends recently, I really do consider it a sport; probably purely because of my passion for the game. Anyway there must be a reason why its shown on sky sports/espn, right? What's your views on this topic? I am really interested on what you guys think, I want an actual solid answer too, can't find it anywhere online!

 

[Jair83]

I think if, apart from being a random game I think for its large number of participants draws attention from all over the world should be a sport and all, do not believe?

 

[scorpion1367]

Perhaps a sport of mental endurance and focus.......scorp

 

[S3mper]

Well I would say yes, but to definitively answer this question I think we should use our good friend Google and Google the definition of "Sport"

Sport- "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment."

The only part some may question is "involving physical exertion" If any ones grinded long hours they can tell you its quite a physical exertion Some also may question if it's a game of skill but those who do are idiots =)

Just to be sure though let's go back to Google and look up the definition of "Exertion"

Exertion - "physical or mental effort"

Answer - Yes poker is a sport

 

[scorpion1367]

Could get physical if you tilt.....lol.......scorp

 

[Juanes1913]

Mental sport

 

[S3mper]

Here is an old article from "ESPN"

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lovinger/040614

 

[HooDooKoo]

Been discussing this A LOT with my friends recently, I really do consider it a sport; probably purely because of my passion for the game. Anyway there must be a reason why its shown on sky sports/espn, right? What's your views on this topic? I am really interested on what you guys think, I want an actual solid answer too, can't find it anywhere online!

If it's a sport then bridge, chess, backgammon, and Scrabble are sports, too.

Nothing physical about any of them.

The answer is a resounding no.

-HooDooKoo

 

[Loonbat]

Follow-up question:

If we decide it is a sport, can I then consider myself a "jock"?

 

[HooDooKoo]

Well I would say yes, but to definitively answer this question I think we should use our good friend Google and Google the definition of "Sport"

Sport- "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment."

The only part some may question is "involving physical exertion" If any ones grinded long hours they can tell you its quite a physical exertion Some also may question if it's a game of skill but those who do are idiots =)

Just to be sure though let's go back to Google and look up the definition of "Exertion"

Exertion - "physical or mental effort"

Answer - Yes poker is a sport

The definition of sport specifies "physical exertion". Not mental exertion. Physical exertion.

Poker does not qualify.

-HooDooKoo

 

[CATLICKER]

Like bowling, any activity where you can drink and smoke while you do it, is not a sport !!!

 

[PlayedYou73]

The definition of sport specifies "physical exertion". Not mental exertion. Physical exertion.

Poker does not qualify.

-HooDooKoo

I'd agree with this assessment. It's in the same category as chess or bridge for tournament play.

 

[CATLICKER]

Follow-up question:

If we decide it is a sport, can I then consider myself a "jock"?

Follow-up answer: Either way, you are a jock!

 

[redcross]

I consider something a sport when you sweat. So golf bowling you are no go but poker has a real chance cause whenever I start losing a lot of money I start sweating!

 

[sickpuppy]

Like bowling, any activity where you can drink and smoke while you do it, is not a sport !!!

I like that ansewr

 

[S3mper]

The definition of sport specifies "physical exertion". Not mental exertion. Physical exertion.

Poker does not qualify.

-HooDooKoo

I'm starting to think you just like disagreeing with me. If your grinding like in a tournament it does take physical exertion.. In fact a lot of people work out just so they have more physical endurance to be able to just "sit there" It's amazing how much sitting in a chair can actually take out of you.

 

[HooDooKoo]

I'm starting to think you just like disagreeing with me. If your grinding like in a tournament it does take physical exertion.. In fact a lot of people work out just so they have more physical endurance to be able to just "sit there" It's amazing how much sitting in a chair can actually take out of you.

It only appears that I like disagreeing with you. The reality is that you are just wrong a lot. Regardless, I assure you that I have no affinity for agreeing with you or disagreeing with you.

If sitting in a chair all day is so exhausting, how do all those people with office jobs train to handle the 9-to-5 grind? Or people that sit on the couch watching TV all day? They're probably working out harder than pro athletes just to make it through those long seated stretches ...

Almost everyone (I'm excluding the rigtard trolls) here likes poker, S3mper --- but that doesn't mean we should try and turn it into something it's not. Like a sport.

Be well.

-HooDooKoo

 

[S3mper]

Well they should start putting office jobs on ESPN then =)

difference with office jobs and poker is the adrenaline rushes you get the ups and downs that take a toll on your stanima

 

[AtiFCOD]

Been discussing this A LOT with my friends recently, I really do consider it a sport; probably purely because of my passion for the game. Anyway there must be a reason why its shown on sky sports/espn, right? What's your views on this topic? I am really interested on what you guys think, I want an actual solid answer too, can't find it anywhere online!

It's a sport.
Like Scott Seiver said: "it's 90% mental"
Poker tournament game is like a big strategy game. It's not accidental that good/successful strategy game players are also good at poker (eg. Bertrand "Elky"Gospellier).

 

[HooDooKoo]

It's a sport.
Like Scott Seiver said: "it's 90% mental"
Poker tournament game is like a big strategy game. It's not accidental that good/successful strategy game players are also good at poker (eg. Bertrand "Elky"Gospellier).

No one is disputing that it's a game, or that effective strategy is required to be successful. There is a large distinction between a game and a sport, though --- and poker does not qualify as a sport because it lacks the physical exertion component.

-HooDooKoo

 

[DaveE]

Is chess a sport? Neither is poker.

 

[AtiFCOD]

Here is what I have found about it:

Poker Recognized as a Skill Game by IMSA

http://www.pokernewsdaily.com/poker-recognized-as-a-skill-game-by-imsa-10821/

 

[jcla6985]

Look up the definition of sport...its a sport

 

[HooDooKoo]

Look up the definition of sport...its a sport

Ummmm .... wrong. Apparently you didn't read the entire thread.

-HooDooKoo

 

[rdm4k]

we like to see it as a sport to feel less gambler doing it.
It's just a card game not close.
However I do really think it's different from other kind of gambling