Soccer involves kicking around a ball and scoring goals on a field. Online poker involves betting and bluffing with a deck of cards on a computer screen. You’ve probably never thought about the similarities between these two games before, but as it turns out, soccer and online poker aren’t so different.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the unexpected connections — namely skill, strategy, competitive spirit, and more — between online poker and soccer below. If you’re a soccer enthusiast, you might just discover that you love playing online poker (and vice versa). Let’s get into it!
The Similarities Between Online Poker and Soccer
There’s always been a connection between soccer and gambling. If you’re a soccer fan, you’ve probably placed a bet here or there on your favorite team or player. Most real money online poker sites feature sports gambling options, soccer included, of course.
This makes switching between playing online poker and betting on soccer matches super easy, which is a huge plus. Let’s explore some of the similarities between soccer and online poker below so that you can get a feel for (and, hopefully, become a fan of) both games.
Strategy
When it comes to both soccer and online poker, players always have some sort of strategy in mind. In soccer, specifically, teams come up with plans and often have to make smart decisions on the fly during matches.
In online poker, players strategize based on what their opponents are doing. These sites from Postandcourier.com are an excellent place to start if you’ve been looking to start playing poker online for real money. Just make sure you’re being careful while making choices, that’s what your favorite soccer players are doing during their matches, after all.
Bluffing
Everyone knows that a major part of poker is bluffing. The same can be said for soccer, too! In poker, whether it’s online or in person, players have to try to trick their opponents into thinking that they have a stronger hand than they actually do (or vice versa).
In soccer, one player will often “juke” another player out by pretending they’re going to do one thing (i.e., score a goal) and, instead, pass to a teammate. When done well, bluffing in soccer can serve to confuse opposing players and gain an advantage.
Precision and Skill
Like soccer, playing online poker (or at least succeeding at online poker) takes a fair amount of practice, precision, and skill. In soccer, for example, you must have good control over the ball so that you don’t trip over it or get it stolen by your opponent.
In online poker, players need to have an understanding of odds and probability. It also helps to get good at bluffing and learn how to use your “poker face” to confuse those you’re playing against. Don’t be discouraged if your first round of online poker doesn’t go so well. Once again, it takes practice.
Competitive Spirit
A lot of soccer fans also enjoy playing poker online because both games create an exciting sense of competition. The thrill of scoring a goal in soccer (or watching your favorite player do so) is actually quite comparable to the rush one gets when one wins a hand in online poker.
Usually, the competitive nature of these games (and each individual’s sense of competitive spirit) is what keeps people motivated to keep playing, even when the going gets rough. Whether you’re playing soccer, betting on your favorite team, or playing a round of online poker, you’re sure to feel a rush. That’s what it’s all about.