June 15, 2026
7 Common Planning Poker Mistakes to Avoid
The most common Planning Poker mistakes that reduce estimation accuracy, and how to fix each one.
7 Common Planning Poker Mistakes
Planning Poker is simple, but small facilitation mistakes can make estimates less useful.
Revealing cards one by one
This creates anchoring bias. Always reveal all cards simultaneously.
Estimating hours instead of complexity
Hours depend on the individual. Estimate the complexity and uncertainty of the story itself.
No reference story
Without calibration, a 5 means different things to different people. Pick a known story and keep it visible.
Letting only the highest estimate speak
The lowest estimator may know a simpler path. Hear both the highest and lowest estimates before discussion.
Estimating stories that are not ready
If most people play ?, send the story back for refinement instead of forcing consensus.