The classic game of poker is undoubtedly, one of the most popular card games in the world. The World Poker Tour estimated that in 2021, there were around 120 million online players. The poker boom in 2003, paired with people’s further confidence with internet payment systems and the pandemic further proves that it is here to stay.
The current deal with poker
It is clearly a popular pastime, yet it still has a negative stigma. Professional players all had some form of disapproval from partners or parents when starting out. Brossac Braderie presents:
Common misconceptions about poker
- That poker is a game of chance – Some poker players say that this is the most annoying statement that someone can say. Professionals pour hundreds of hours into honing their skills, their strategies, calculations, body language, to win and earn more. Saying that it is luck is neglecting their training. This also leads to poker players to not bother telling people about the sport, further distancing the sport from non-players.
- That poker players are addict gamblers – A common picture for the average poker player is the guy in the hoodie that will bet everything. He screams when he loses and is hyper aggressive. The truth is that these people do exist but they are a minority. Most people keep it on a recreational level, few do choose it as a job. They also pay taxes on their reported income, which helps contribute to society. In fact, certain poker players don’t play addicts and even try to help these kinds of players.
- That poker is a dangerous sport – Some people think that poker is a waste of time, talent and money. You may end up doing worse in school or become addicted. Indirectly, it puts doubt in the player’s skill and results. Most players deny this statement by simply using their results as a form of defence. In fact, playing poker can lead to a host of benefits.
Benefits of playing poker
- The main benefit is that it allows neural pathway rewiring and allows more neural pathways to be created. This leads to a more long-lasting and more powerful brain since neurons are protected by the additional myelin.
- It creates an increase in problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- It also develops the ability to read situations and people.
- Poker can be a pastime, which can reduce stress and even promote reading about the sport. This can include the benefits of reading.
Nowadays, most cities in France are having poker clubs, form part of Le Club de Clubs de Poker. They meet and play in leagues, sometimes even playing against each other. For example, the Red Cactus Tournament is free entry, with the chance to play in Paris for the finals.
Brossac Braderie has a selection of poker set / cases, two from the Pairs final of a Red Cactus tournament, available in our online store Poker Sets for Sale You can only get these if you qualify for the Paris national finals. Naturally, they are very hard to come by, making them all the better in addition to their high quality.
Sources: Don’t talk to them, they will not understand:How poker players experience criticism and stigma, Poker benefits: How the game amps up thinking ability.