My research study, presented as a Thesis at eCampus University of Novedrate in May 2021, explores the possibility of introducing new rules in live poker, proposing the Skill Poker Index (SPI) as a regulatory tool for live Texas Hold’em poker. Since the advent of the World Series of Poker in 1971, poker has transitioned from a casino game to a sport that requires skill and commitment to succeed. The ethnographic analysis in my study highlights the increasing presence of experienced players compared to beginners in current competitions. The research goal was to develop a tournament model based on SPI to contribute to the regulation of live Texas Hold’em poker.
Skill Poker Index: Assessing Skill in Live Poker
The research is divided into two areas: presentation of the theoretical framework and logic of live poker tournaments, and definition of SPI as modulators of padia and ludus components, according to Roger Caillois’ description. The idea is to favor the ludus component, typical of games considered true sports. The paper demonstrates how the padia component influences the outcome of a performance, even in a live poker tournament considered as sports poker. The Skill Poker Index applied to live Texas Hold’em tournaments can provide decision-making authorities with a universalistic-deterministic reference, capable of measuring the degree of skill involved in critical All-In pre-river phases.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Skill Poker Index in live Texas Hold’em poker offers a science-based solution for regulating this continuously evolving sector, placing greater emphasis on skill and commitment required from players.
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