It seems so interesting how the idea of a game can be weaved into a technical terminology. Poker is one such term. Planning poker is an estimation technique used in agile methodology. It has its origin from an old estimation methodology known as Delphi method(an estimation technique for sales and marketing). It is an approach where a group of experts assimilate to analyse the size of project goals to be accomplished. Just like in a game of poker, where the cards are faced down and the numbers are not spoken by any member, they reveal it when its their chance. Planning poker technique follows the same ideology. Individuals contribute their ideas that generates a consensus based conclusion.
A deck of cards is placed in the centre of the table. A numeric metric is used so that an estimation could be made in quantifiable terms. Many approaches are available to implement the poker strategy– numeric sizing(1 to 10), t-shirt sizes(xs,s,m,l,xl,xxl) , fibonacci sequence(1,2,3,5,8...). The onus of choosing a specific methodology lies on the person heading the team, often termed as a facilitator, chooses a method that best serves the purpose. So, a metric is chosen by the facilitator, in the form of a quantity representing, say, number of days, to complete the task. Poker planning begins somewhat like this.
The facilitator disseminates the information to the team members, with respect to the software component in consideration. Each person selects a card from the deck. When the last card is chosen from the deck, the facilitator initiates revelation of all the cards. One by one every member starts disclosing their cards. This way a decision is made, based on the metric chosen and an estimate is made regarding the establishment of the mission to be achieved. The T-shirt method is appropriate when the parameters have to be set in terms of hours of working and so on. The estimation process is repeated unless a final conclusion is made.
The ideology that underlies a poker planning technique in the context of Agile estimation, is to collaborate views, ideas, opinions of people from different areas, and sum up each. This helps to deliver the project within the right time by applying the right approach.
More people + More ideas= Effective estimation plan
Everything on this planet which seems to offer an edge over their counterparts, has their share of disadvantages also. Let's have a look at the demerits hidden in poker planning technique.
The planning poker technique lays a robust foundation for building an application in planned and quantifiable terms. Interestingly, the technique acts as a recreation activity, the team members have a candid conversation and thus get a chance to plan a project playfully, which may otherwise turn out to be a burdensome task. It is thus the most efficient estimation technique.