Basketball and poker
February 24, 2009
There are a lot of things that are similar between basketball and poker. If you understand the game of basketball very well, you will be able to use it in your poker games. Here are some tips from basketball players who play poker.
First, in basketball, the three point shot is a lower percentage shot in comparison to a two point shot. Although a three point shot has more points, it has a lower percentage. On average, a three point shot goes in one out of three times while a two point shot goes in one out of two times. So what do we learn from this? If you take twelve three point shots and one third goes in, you will end up with twelve points. If you take twelve two point shots and one half goes in, you will end up with twelve points also. This means that when you take lower percentage shots, you have to be rewarded with more points. If you take higher percentage shots, you are awarded lesser points. In poker, the logic is the same. If you have a high chance of winning the hand then you should be willing to bet as much as you want. If you have a low chance of winning the hand then you should either fold or simply check.
Second, basketball players guard the opponent very well. In basketball, the greater the defender translates into a lower percentage of shots made for the opposing player. Basketball players that defend well like Raja Bell make sure that scorers like Kobe Bryant don’t drop eighty one points in a single game. In the game of poker, the logic is also the same. You have to defend your chips when opposing players attempt to get it. You have to know when to fold when someone knows that you are bluffing. If you are a good defensive poker player then you would know how to ward off these raptors from getting to your chips.
Third, basketball players make it a point to practice a lot. They have an uncanny discipline to go to the court and practice their shots. In poker, you also need to practice your moves. You can practice your moves on a computer program or you can practice your moves online. You might want to read a lot of poker books and poker tips. You will certainly have added knowledge to your game. At the end of the day, what really matters is that you enjoy the game. Basketball players enjoy playing basketball and so should you enjoy playing poker. If you do not enjoy a game so much then you are wasting your time. It is hard to work hard at something that you do not love. It is hard to practice free throws at the gym if you do not love basketball. It is hard to become a good poker player if you do not love the game of poker. At the end of the day, make sure that you love the game.