Poker Declared a Mind Game
Written by Matt W | Saturday, May 1st, 2010
The International Mind Sports Association lent strong support for the argument that poker is a game of skill this week by recognizing the game as a member of its mind sports list.
While poker proponents like to argue that they are against the game because of its element of chance, the prestigious International Mind Sports Association has taken an entirely different spin on their opinion by placing poker on the same level as games such as bridge and chess.
What this means for poker is that it will played as a mind sports in the upcoming World Mind Sports Games that will take place in London in 2012.
“I am delighted to welcome the International Federation of Poker into membership of IMSA,” said the association’s Chairman, Jose Damiani. “Poker’s participation alongside bridge, chess, and mind sports in the annual IMSA events will demonstrate to the world that poker is indeed a mind sport of strategic skill.”
Doyle Brunson, who serves as an advisory member with the International Poker Federation, said that he was thrilled with the status that the association had offered the game.
“The IFP deserves our thanks and congratulations,” said Brunson. “I believe that history will show this was a key moment for poker. All over the world the game has been faced with governmental controls and other obstacles. Yet it is obvious it calls for qualities and skills that go far beyond a capacity just to take a chance.”
There has been ongoing pressure on the International Olympics Committee to accept poker as an official sport and allow players to participate as they would in any other sport. However, even if this does not happen, the recognition by the International Mind Sports Association could be seen equally as honorable.
Professional poker players are also thrilled with the announcement, with Anthony Holden saying: “Over time, this should help to free poker from much governmental interference and other such unnecessary restrictions all over the globe.”
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· Written by Matt W · Filed Under Poker News · Comments Off
