There are many people who have claimed that playing poker has helped them in all aspects of their lives. The latest to express the beneficial effects of playing poker is British Olympic team member Jamie Kenber.
The 25-year-old Oxford graduate, who looks certain to be a contender for London 2012 later this year, admits he boosts his income with occasional hands of online poker. Though not a professional, he says that he has made a little money during lean times when teaching work has been thin on the ground, and is a pretty decent social player.
He does, however, claim that there are definite links between poker and fencing and the former has helped him as a professional sportsman. Bluffing forms an integral part of both sports and not showing your hand too soon or making an opponent believe you have completely different intentions lead to success with the cards or a blade.
Poker has also increased his mental agility and concentration. Keeping focused on the cards during long events has taught him the value of staying in peak condition both physically and mentally.
Kenber says “There are comparisons. In fencing someone might show you something and you don’t know whether they’re actually going to go through with it or if it’s just an early bluff. That happens in poker as well.”
Jamie has been fencing since the age of eight, after coming back from an injured knee and with a great year behind him he is hoping for glory in the Men’s Team Foil event in July as they plan on bettering last years fifth place in the European Championships.
Good luck to Jamie and his team mates and fingers crossed he doesn’t bust out early.
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