Is Texas Holdem Luck or Skill?

Question

I think that Texas Holdem is more Luck Than Skill. Mainly because 5 out of seven cards are not known before betting.My friend who likes the game says it's all skill. Any answers from math experts? Thanks,Tim

Answer 1

Holdem is mostly luck, but there is skill involved and this is why there are professionals. Being able to read other people is the biggest skill followed by the probabilities. If you can reasonably read what your opponent might be holding then you will make the right decisions giving you the edge. Over several hands this advantage will overtake the luck that is involved. Most players don't possess the skills so it is mostly luck for novice players.

Answer 2

It's 90% skill, only 10% luck (as a matter of fact...you can be Phil Helmuth or Annie Duke...sometimes a moron can beat you with a very lucky hand).

But, the most important point is that is NOT only mathematical skills what are implied. That's the nicest part of the game.

Of course you need some solid mathematical skills to calculate the odds you are getting every hand, every bet...but you need other more human and less rational skills like pacience (tons of it!) self control, understanding human expressions and behaviors, and persistence to really achieve succesful in poker.

If you want to take a brief look at what's is needed to become a succesful poker player, visit for example www.pokerstrategy.org

It will also help you to improve your earnings when you play your friends.

Answer 3

The shorter time you play, the more it's luck. (Like I could beat an expert if we only played one hand) But the more games you play, the more it's down to skill and a good player takes a long term view.

See Casino Royale for more details

Answer 4

It definitely has a little to do with luck but the skill comes in knowing what the person your playing against has and in your bluffing.

Answer 5

Did you ever wonder why you keep seeing the same 15 to 20 players at the final table? It isn't luck.
The fall of the cards is obviously pure chance but knowing how to bet those cards is mostly skill.
Why don't you go to your local card parlor and give it a try.

Answer 6

I think it's both luck and skills because, you could trick your opponent so they fold, that's skills, but you could get good cards, that's luck

Answer 7

LUCK for sure thats why i suck at it so much cause i have sucky luck like the worst but good luck to you not that you want much of my luck!

Answer 8

Both.