In fact, there’s more luck involved in popular games like Uno or Rummy than there is in Poker. But contrary to what most people believe, there’s more skill and psychology involved than there is luck. Poker gets a bad rap since it’s lumped in with every other casino game and gambling scheme like Black Jack, roulette, and slot machines. But broadly speaking - the goal is to just keep playing more poker. There is no end (unless you’re playing a tournament or all your friends lose… in which case they can always buy in for more). One of the reasons poker is such a unique game is because it’s an infinite game. But in infinite games, the goal is keep playing.

In finite games, the goal is to end the game by winning.

Simon Sinek talks about “finite games” vs “infinite games” both literally and figuratively. It’s also about the actions you take to fold, check, bet, call, or raise (skill) as well as the actions of your opponents (psychology). Unlike other card games, poker isn’t just about the cards. It’s a unique game that involves luck, skill, and psychology. I believe everyone should learn how to play poker. It's pay-what-you-want and expands on everything I talk about in this post will real examples and illustrations. UPDATE: I created a short course on How To Beat Your Friends At Poker.

Play poker with friends