Recently I found a new hobby: online texas hold’em.
I’m not spending big money on it (I mostly play free tournaments in an italian poker room and a free online game on my iPhone) but I’m finding poker very relaxing and I also find some similarities between online poker and programming, plus something more… Poker teaches you to be a better programmer…
There’s always someone better than you
You can be the best coder among your friends and colleagues, but you’re not for sure the best developer around. The same happens in poker: you can be the best player in your friends pool, but you’re not the best player in the world. Remember to code, code, code, exercise and study, try and fail. This is the only way to improve yourself and prove you are the best.
Math is useful
I see a lot of people around telling “I don’t need math”. In poker (and in programming) you need a lot of math, even for simple operations. Maybe you already know that, but pick five minutes to test (and improve) your math skills. You can find some tests and exercises here.
Be fast and precise
In online poker you can’t think hours for your next move. If you are a programmer you should be fast-thinking and precise. Fast and no errors. Simple, isn’t it?
Apply lateral thinking to approach your problem
Sometimes the best solution is just around the corner. Be creative!
If you want to try poker there are a lot of free poker games on Facebook, iPhone, etc… Don’t waste your money. The fun is the same.
P.s. Online gaming is an hobby, but it could easily ruin your life. If you have problems with gaming & gambling visit this site.
Top comments (10)
I've been finding myself drawn to blitz chess for similar reasons. Obviously maths isn't used in chess, but there's definitely something to be said for a similar vein of systematic/logical thinking that also happens in programming.
yes, like Matthew i'm fond of chess - because my late dad's a player. And yes i think it helped me develop my sense of critical and systematic thinking. Definitely helped me as a programmer.
Also play poker online (kasinohai.com) but only as an escape or to relieve myself from work/home stress.
Kudos for pointing out how poker (and to add, any form of gambling) can ruin a life. I'm testament to that based on experience. one should really set boundaries and prepare him/herself beforehand. or else, might get addicted to it right before you know it and your life, your family/friends lives in extension are ruined too.
Good programmers have many skills needed in poker. They area able to focus and think outside of the box further than the next step/move. Actually I will write longer post about skills needed in poker in my new web page (Pelimestarit.com).
Some valid observations here.. That said, as a long time real world poker player I've got to point out that on-line poker (particularly the free versions) only superficially resembles real world poker played for actual money. The on-line variant is an all-in fest for bragging rights.
Go to a casino, sit down and give it a try. You'll notice the difference right away. The math is still valid (pot odds, implied odds etc) but the ramifications of pushing all-in with 7-deuce off suit looking to hit that 1 in 22,000 chance of flopping a full house have a considerably different feel when there's a couple hundred real dollars in the pot versus virtual chips.
I can agree, but not everyone can go to a Casino. I live in a country where there are only 4 casinos, and poker rooms are heavily regulated, for example.
Do you have any specific online platforms to that you would recommend (5 card or Texas Hold'em)? Ideally one that doesn't require an account (although that seems unlikely).
I play Texas Hold'em, usually...
No, I don't have a specific platform. I'm currently playing a free game on PS4, playstation.com/en-us/games/promin...
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