At first glance, a lot of people will assume that these two games are about as different as possible. League of Legends or LoL is a global phenomenon with millions of fans. The game may be relatively new (definitely when compared to poker) but it has gained a huge following and players are constantly looking to improve.

There is a live events industry around esports. League of Legends has some of the most views out of any of the modern esports out there and this means that people tune in to watch as well as play the game. This could even be the first similarity with poker as both have a huge following in terms of spectators.

This is especially true when talking about tournament gaming. There are a lot of players in both poker and LoL who see tournaments as the key way to play.

When people choose to play at Ignition poker tournaments online they may actually be using some skills that they have built up in LoL or vice versa. Though the graphics and interface of the two different games look different, there is definitely a pool of different skills that can impact both. Poker is a game of skill rather than a game of luck. That does not mean that luck is not involved but it is true that people can potentially implement strategy in the game of poker. Strategy is definitely a huge part of League of Legends, too.

Decision-Making Skills

Both League of Legends and poker require players to make critical decisions in fast-moving environments. In LoL, decisions often come down to things like managing the resources available and even team coordination. Players must constantly adapt to changing battlefield conditions and battle for map control.

Different from poker, of course, but the similarity comes in when we consider the fact that poker players analyze shifting variables such as opponents’ betting patterns as well as the way the cards change and unfold (especially in varieties with community cards).

The timing of decisions is crucial in both games. Both games push players to think several steps ahead and think about immediate scenarios but also potential long-term scenarios with things like bankroll management. Poker players often take advice from some of the top players out there and there are examples of Masterclasses on the subject. The likes of Dan Negreanu have made courses for players where they share techniques and advice from a whole career of playing.

Making the right decisions is still important even when there is an element of luck. Sometimes during poker, the hand can change drastically. This video shows how much things can change as the game unfolds.

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Reading Others

Ask a lot of people to think of a game where they may need to read the behaviors of another person and they might well point to poker as the prime example.

Both games emphasize the importance of reading opponents. In poker, the players look for subtle cues known as tells. These help to gauge whether someone is bluffing or holding a strong hand. These observations inform their decisions and help them gain an edge.

League of Legends requires a similar skill but in a different form. Players must interpret enemy behavior and intent and spot things such as unusual movements or item builds to predict their next actions. Recognizing when an opponent is setting a trap or rotating to a key objective can mean the difference between winning and losing. Both games reward attentiveness and the ability to adapt strategies based on opponent tendencies.

Reading others helps people avoid being passive in how they play and try and be proactive instead. This is one of the top tips shared in our guide to climbing the ranks.

Chance Plays a Part

Chance plays a prominent role in poker as the cards dealt to each player are random. This element of luck adds a layer of unpredictability and may force players to make the best of whatever hand they receive or even bluff their way through. Bluffing has been reported in poker since the 1700s which shows how long the game has been around for – especially compared to LoL and other esports.

League of Legends has less of a random structure but there is still an element of this. While randomness can arise from in-game crit mechanics or unpredictably skilled opponents, success is largely dictated by execution and strategic planning. The reduced role of chance makes LoL feel more controlled but no less complex.

Conclusion

It is easy to assume a card game and a computer game don’t have any crossover. In terms of the skills and parts of the brain being used, some players are surprised just how much there actually is in common between the two. Both games remain popular and building skills in one may impact playing another.