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Good cards are useful, but not enough: what poker can teach business strategists

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The Connection Between Poker and Business Strategy



Every time you size a challenger or negotiate a deal, you use the same skills as in the game of poker. The Strategy Institute (TSI) explores how poker and business connect can drive your strategy.

A prime example of poker demonstrating strategic prowess over luck is the legendary bluff between Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. This historic moment showcased the art of deception and strategy in action.

Poker, originating centuries ago in New Orleans, has always been renowned as a game requiring skill above all else. As Oswald Jacoby, a bridge champion, once said:

Poker is about managing money, people, and situations, while other card games rely more on luck and card management.

Many top business leaders and executives have adopted strategic tools from poker to enhance their business strategies. TSI delves into the strategies, negotiations, and relationship building that occur in poker games to extract valuable lessons for business professionals.

Poker Strategy: Six Key Lessons for Business

These insights from the world of poker can be invaluable when applied to the boardroom.

1. Strategy is about probabilities, not certainties

Senior partners from leading consulting firms emphasize the importance of embracing uncertainty in business strategy. Just like in poker, where uncertainty is a constant, effective strategies are about maximizing opportunities amidst unpredictability.

Risk assessment and mitigation are crucial components of successful business strategies, ensuring that decisions are made with calculated chances of success.

2. Cut losses; let winnings ride

Managing risks effectively involves knowing when to scale back on losses and when to let profits grow. This principle applies both in poker and business, where strategic decision-making can lead to sustainable growth.

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3. Play the competition, not just the game

Understanding your competitors and adapting to changing landscapes are key elements in both poker and business. Recognizing non-verbal cues and patterns can give you a competitive edge.

4. Perception is everything

Crafting the right image and projecting it effectively can influence how others perceive your strategies and decisions. Maintaining flexibility and adaptability in your approach can keep your competitors guessing.

5. You can’t make mistakes and still lose

Even with perfect execution, external factors can impact outcomes in both poker and business. Persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.

6. Play to win, not to avoid losing

Embracing challenges and making bold decisions when necessary can lead to significant rewards. Staying focused, staying calm under pressure, and seizing opportunities are traits shared by successful poker players and business leaders.


Entrepreneurship is a duel practiced with strategies instead of guns. Elevate your business acumen with reputable business strategy certifications and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the unpredictable terrain of business.

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