Abstract
On-line poker is a game of chance and skill. The construct of poker playing skill has both a technical (game strategy-related) and an emotional (emotion regulation-related) aspect. A correlational on-line study (N = 354) was conducted to assess differences in technical
skills and emotional characteristics related to poker playing style between experienced and inexperienced poker players. Results
suggest that, with respect to emotional characteristics, experienced poker players engage in less self–rumination and more self–reflection, as compared to inexperienced players. Experienced poker players are also able to make better decisions, by mathematical standards,
in a poker decision-making environment, as assessed by two fictitious on-line poker decision-making scenarios. Furthermore,
this study provides supportive evidence that experienced poker players conceptualize the construct of “luck” differently from
inexperienced players. A new poker playing experience scale (PES) for accurately measuring poker playing experience is presented
in this paper.
skills and emotional characteristics related to poker playing style between experienced and inexperienced poker players. Results
suggest that, with respect to emotional characteristics, experienced poker players engage in less self–rumination and more self–reflection, as compared to inexperienced players. Experienced poker players are also able to make better decisions, by mathematical standards,
in a poker decision-making environment, as assessed by two fictitious on-line poker decision-making scenarios. Furthermore,
this study provides supportive evidence that experienced poker players conceptualize the construct of “luck” differently from
inexperienced players. A new poker playing experience scale (PES) for accurately measuring poker playing experience is presented
in this paper.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10899-012-9311-3
- Authors
- Jussi Palomäki, Cognitive Science, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Michael Laakasuo, Cognitive Science, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Mikko Salmela, Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 4, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Journal Journal of Gambling Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-3602
- Print ISSN 1050-5350