Is Poker A Sport?

[TheShadz]

Been having this argument with a mate at cricket, he thinks it isn't a sport, but i beg to differ

i put it in the same category as Fishing, a recreational sport, but my mate still thinks it isn't a sport full stop.

have created a poll so please put your vote in, would like to know everyones thoughts on this...

cheers

[Conspiracy Theorist]

My understand of a sport is at least some kind of physical activity. Poker doesnt fit that category. Online poker even less so.

I voted no

ct

[muzzington]

It's a game.

[Brett Kay]

Mental endurance, 7 days playing 12 hours a day physically taxing. Not to mention percentage plays, as well as reviewing plays to improve your game.

Applies to both Baseball, Basketball, football, soccer, e.t.c All are sports.

So yes by me saying it is a sport.

[bennymacca]

Mental endurance, 7 days playing 12 hours a day physically taxing. Not to mention percentage plays, as well as reviewing plays to improve your game.

Applies to both Baseball, Basketball, football, soccer, e.t.c All are sports.

So yes by me saying it is a sport.

chess also has mental endurance. so does just about every other game if you play it for long periods of time.

my view is that its a game, but in a tournament format, there are sport-like qualities.

but ring games, there is no way that you can classify this as a sport.

[bennymacca]

we have had this discussion before too, (not to say we can't have it again)

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=1612&hilit=+poker+sport

[Sinitster]

It's a game.

Just like a game of Lawn Bowls , Cricket or Footy ?

Hehe ..

interesting ...


Agree with the sport like qualities in the tounament form ..

[muzzington]

It's a game.

Just like a game of Lawn Bowls , Cricket or Footy ?

No?

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Mental endurance, 7 days playing 12 hours a day physically taxing. Not to mention percentage plays, as well as reviewing plays to improve your game.

Applies to both Baseball, Basketball, football, soccer, e.t.c All are sports.

So yes by me saying it is a sport.

But the best soccer player in the world would never be beaten by a kid playing his first game.

The same is not true for poker.

CT

[Bob B]

It's taken me a long time to get this body of mine into shape!

But seriously. I'm in good shape for recognised sports such as darts, 8 ball, lawn bowls, ten pin bowls, fishing, chess, etc, etc. Are they all classed as games or sports?

None of which requires the endurance that may be required for playing in a major tournament. Like Brett said, try playing any of the above sports for 12 hours a days over 4 to 7 day period.

For those who tour the world circuits just getting a good nights sleep would be difficult. I have seen some guys have special diets, special drinks to remain hydrated and combat body fatigue by having a massage at the tables.

Not to mention the mental side of the game re; Tactics, reads and skills etc, incorporated over all those hours must be very taxing for the average guy to even contemplate.

But does that make poker a sport?

I'm a little bit AC/DC on this post but as it's a YES/NO answer I'm leaning towards a YES.