Planning Poker 101

What is Planning Poker?

Planning Poker (a.k.a. Scrum Poker) is a collaborative estimation technique that helps agile teams size work with shared understanding, not guesswork.

Why teams use it

  • Builds shared understanding of a story before committing to estimates.
  • Reduces anchoring bias with simultaneous reveal of votes.
  • Creates quick discussion loops to surface risks and edge cases.
  • Works remotely-everyone participates equally.

Typical steps

  1. Pick a story and read the acceptance criteria together.
  2. Clarify assumptions and dependencies.
  3. Each person selects a card privately.
  4. Reveal votes at the same time; discuss highs/lows.
  5. Revote quickly if needed; lock in the estimate.

How to run Planning Poker with Agile Tools

Set up

  • Create a room and share the link-no logins or installs.
  • Choose your deck (Fibonacci, T-shirt sizes, or custom cards).
  • Set calculation mode (average, median, etc.) to match your workflow.

Facilitate

  • Use timers to keep rounds tight.
  • Reveal votes simultaneously to avoid anchoring.
  • Capture description/notes for each session as you go.
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Tips for better estimates

  • Estimate complexity/effort, not hours-keep the conversation about scope.
  • Split stories that regularly get high variance in votes.
  • Time-box discussions (e.g., two minutes) before revoting.
  • Agree on a definition of “done” to reduce surprises later.