How is poker like MMA?
Poker is a very popular casino game that dates back almost 200 hundred years. Mixed martial arts is a sport with an even older history.
One involves being dealt cards and having the right hand, while the other is much more physical as it incorporates a number of martial arts techniques to best your opponent. So how are they similar?
While they may seem worlds apart at a glance, poker and MMA have much in common in so many areas. Here are just a few.
Both require a level of skill
Saying that those who take part in MMA require a certain level of skill is a major understatement, but it can’t be said enough just how much technique and training is required to become a somewhat decent participant in the sport.
From learning and pooling from a wide range of martial arts, both ancient and newer forms, to training your body to be as fit as it can be, there is so much about MMA that surrounds learning and using new skills.
Poker is the same. While much of the popular casino game involves the luck of the draw, studying and understanding the game is an important aspect of being a good player.
A good poker face can help
Though the game of poker gave this particular trait its name, it doesn’t mean it can’t help you out in a variety of different games, MMA being one of them.
Having a good poker face in poker is all about not letting your fellow players know what’s in your hand, no matter if it’s good or bad. By keeping your cool and not letting your emotions rise to the surface, you don’t have to worry about your opponent knowing what you are thinking.
Where may this sound familiar? Your opponent not knowing what you’re thinking can be a huge benefit in the world of MMA, too, as they struggle to predict what you aren’t going to do next.
For those who struggle with their poker face, it’s great to know that you don’t have to always play it in person. A quick search for something like online poker Australia will present you with so many versions of the game that can be played from the comfort of your own home.
They contain an element of risk
While both poker and MMA can be enjoyed by participants and spectators alike, it’s important to remember that for those in the ring or at the table, there is an element of risk.
Poker often involves gambling, and while this can be enjoyed in moderation, there is always a chance that you’ll lose what you’ve put in. Similarly, though MMA is a respected sport by both the fighters and many of those who watch it when compared to other sports, there are far more risks involved. From minor injuries to major issues, part of respecting the game is understanding that these things can happen.
While you may not have initially thought MMA and poker to be similar in any way, there are many similarities to them. Whether you’re interested in one or the other, or both, it’s interesting to know that these somewhat polar opposite games have much in common.
