TC Petty III
United States
Carlisle
Pennsylvania
VIVAJAVA 2012!
-
TC + Mario’s Efficient Reviews: Poker
(Note: the goal of this review is not to go into the details; rather, it is to give an overall impression. See other reviews for info on components and rules.)
TC: What I noticed first about Poker is that it is packaged in the same box as Go Fish!, Rummy, and Hearts, and 52 Pickup. There is nothing special about the components, in fact, without betting chips, it’d be the most boring, most portable game in the world.
Mario: Poker is a card game using a standard 52 card deck. It takes a variety of forms, that center around making the best hand (usually 5-card hand) out of the cards on the board and in your hand. Betting on hands as they progress adds significant complexity to the C:game. Basic rules are easy to pick up and the game works well with a range of players, whether casual gamers or veterans, even at the same table.
TC: What’s with people REALLY liking Poker? Two words, “All Fucki*g In!”
Mario: Luck plays a large factor in this game, which may turn off Eurogamers. Getting the cards you want or need requires no strategy, unless you count cheating. In poker, luck can fulfill your dreams or crush you.
TC: Some kooks say that Poker is all luck. Alright, so some forms of Poker, such as Five Card Draw or Seven Card Draw with 2’s and 8’s wild, have little to no strategy to them. And in tournament play, because of limited bankrolls and the possibility of bad beats, even the most skilled, calculated players can be sent home packing. But mostly poker is all skill.
Mario: The fun of the game can depend greatly for each person. It is often a positively correlated function of the player’s chip stack, though fun can surely be had when losing. Alcohol can aid in this respect.
TC: There is no point to playing Poker without money involved. A coin flip match-up between 5-5 and AK (suited) has about as much weight as two cards facing off in a game of ‘War’ when there is nothing on the line.
Mario: Poker allows for a wide variety of experiences, lending to great replay value. Casual games between friends can be very entertaining, while a trip to a casino can pit you in a battle of intellect, courage, and luck. Similarly, heaviness of the game can vary each session. Winning strategies differ greatly and often change within a session.
TC: Poker is a mathematicians dream. Having a key understanding of the rules, the probability of catching cards or having the implied winning hand actually does make a difference. It can turn a very close to 50% chance to win, into a vicious 56% chance to win. Awesome!
Mario: Some forms of poker have no rules to end the game, nor do they declare a winner. This can be frustrating for those seeking structure and a clean victory. In cash games, a player can just quit at any time. They can leave the table and take their playing pieces with them!
TC: Oh, Poker is also condemned as a sin by Christianity… which slightly limits the fun-factor.
-------------------------------------------
Mario’s Verdict: A lot of fun when you win. Definitely worth trying, if you are no good you can just quit.
TC’s Verdict: For all the frustration, it’s a healthy waste of time. I love the game and hate it; but the highs definitely outweigh the lows.
Its good for: satisfying gambling urge, making money if you’re good at it
(Note: TC currently rates this game an 8.1 and likes Hold ‘Em. Mario rates it a 9.5, owns the game, and is willing to play it, please.)
-
|
|
