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Regardless what the definition of a sport may be, it can't be considered for playing poker just as it wouldn't apply to monopoly or any other table game. What comes to mind when the term sport is applied is physical competition between two or more equally qualified contestants who have trained for the contests that require physical action that puts demands on the body and mind.

There is nothing in poker that fits what would be considered a sporting event, and if anything, it is a game of strategy with no physical properties except the handling of cards. The only demand poker puts on those who play the game is possibly mental exhaustion and on the losers wallet.

Those who pride themselves as the masters of the game would probably look down on being considered a sporting event, because they feel it is the mental skill that sets them apart from those who engage in contact activities that are normally considered in sports.

How can mental challenges be thought of as a sport when there is nothing in the way of a physical challenge such as we see in most sporting events? No matter what the game, as long as there is a contest between two or more individuals competing for first place whereas physical stamina comes into play, then the term sport can apply, but for poker players, they can have their place with those who take monopoly in a serious way, and there is a lot of strategy involved even when it comes to board games.

I would go so far to say that even boat or car races shouldn't be considered a sport event, because it is not the contestants who are competing, but rather the machines they drive. However, that is not to say that they do not fit in nicely as a sporting event, because there is a lot of physical exertion that comes into play in order to win those races.

I feel a lot more comfortable about labeling a game a sport when the contestants prepare themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally for the contest or challenge that they face, and there is nothing that comes to mind when I think of poker being considered as one where the same requirements are necessary in order to win a game.

I don't know what the right term for poker or any other games whereas the mind is used for winning rather than someone's physical ability, but I do know that poker couldn't be the furthest for being considered a sport and it shouldn't even require debating the subject.

Learn more about this author, Richard Serra.
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