If you have stumbled across the term “estimation poker,” you might find yourself asking.
“Is this a new type of poker game?”
“How do you play this version of poker?”
In this article, we will explain exactly what estimation poker is, its connection to the world of card games, and key points on how to use it effectively. By the end of this post, you will understand the differences between this technique and traditional gambling, how it fits into development environments, and how to distinguish it from similar terms.
The Difference Between Estimation Poker and Traditional Poker Games
Because of its name, many people assume it is a new gambling variant. Let’s clear up the confusion regarding estimation poker and actual card games.
Estimation Poker Is an Estimation Technique, Not Gambling
Despite having “poker” in its name, estimation poker is actually a method used in software development. Its purpose is to evaluate the amount of work or difficulty of a task while ensuring the entire team is on the same page. It is not a form of gambling where you win or lose money.
Why Is It Called “Poker”?
The name comes from the fact that participants select cards with specific estimation values and reveal them all at once—a process that visually resembles players revealing their hands in a poker game.
What Is Estimation Poker?
Instead of a casino game, this is a cornerstone of modern project management. Let’s look at why it is so popular in technical fields.
The Basics of Estimation Poker
Estimation poker is a collaborative technique for estimating the effort or complexity of tasks. Participants use a set of agile estimation poker cards to choose a value, then share their opinions by revealing their cards simultaneously. This reduces “anchoring” (being influenced by others’ opinions) and leads to more accurate results.
The Relationship Between Planning Poker and Estimation Poker
You may also hear the term “planning poker estimation technique.” These terms are essentially interchangeable. “Planning Poker” is the formal name, while “Estimation Poker” is often used because the goal of the meeting is to provide an “estimation” of work.
Why Scrum Estimation Poker and Agile Estimation Poker Are Essential
Agile development is a process where “Planning → Design → Implementation → Testing“ is repeated in small cycles. Scrum estimation poker is a specific method used within Scrum ( a subset of Agile) where small teams work in “sprints.”
In these environments, aligning the team’s understanding is more important than perfect hourly predictions. Because agile estimation poker requires every member to think independently and then discuss discrepancies, it is perfectly suited for these fast-paced development styles.
The 6-Step Planning Poker Estimation Technique Process
Here is how you actually perform estimating poker in a professional setting.
Step 1: Preparation
Depending on whether you are in-person or remote, you will need:
- Physical Cards: A deck of agile estimation poker cards.
- Online Tools: Digital apps designed to estimate poker values.
- Facilitator: Someone to lead the discussion.
Step 2: Review User Stories and Tasks
Before the cards come out, the team reviews the tasks. This ensures everyone understands the goal and scope, preventing misaligned estimates later.
Step 3: Individual Estimation
Each member considers the task’s difficulty and selects a card. It is vital that you do not show your card to others yet, so your judgment remains independent.
Step 4: Simultaneous Reveal
Once everyone is ready, all cards are turned over at once. This prevents junior members from simply following the “lead” of more experienced developers.
Step 5: Discuss Differing Values
If one person picks a “2” and another picks an “8,” the team discusses why. This often reveals hidden risks or misunderstood requirements.
Step 6: Reach Consensus and Determine Story Points
After the discussion, the team may re-vote until a consensus is reached. These “Story Points“ are then used for future sprint planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estimation Poker
Lastly, we will introduce five common questions and answers about Estimation Poker. Reading through these will help you gain a better grasp of how it works.
1. How Many People are Needed for Estimation Poker?
While you can do it with two people, it is most effective with 3 to 9 participants. This provides enough diverse perspectives (developers, testers, designers) without the discussion becoming too long.
2. Can you Change the Numbers on the Cards?
Usually, the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…) is used. You can change them, but it is important to keep the scale consistent across the whole team so the data remains useful.
3. What if the Team Cannot Agree on a Value?
This is actually the most valuable part of the process! Disagreement usually means there is a lack of clarity in the task. Discuss the risks, clarify the requirements, and vote again.
4. Do I Need to Know How to Play Real Poker First?
No. Aside from the concept of revealing cards, there are no overlapping rules or strategies.
5. What is the Difference Between Affinity Estimation vs Planning Poker?
Affinity estimation vs planning poker comes down to speed and volume. Affinity estimation involves grouping many tasks relatively and is faster for large backlogs. Estimation poker focuses on discussing one task at a time to build a deep team consensus.
Conclusion: Estimation Poker Is a Powerful Team Alignment Tool
Estimation poker is a development term inspired by the “reveal” mechanic of a poker game. While there are no bluffs or pots to win, the spirit of independent judgment and strategic thinking remains.
Whether you are a developer or a project manager, using the scrum estimation poker method can significantly improve your team’s communication and accuracy. If you find yourself in a project planning phase, give it a try!
Comments