Introduction
Even experienced teams can fall into common traps when using planning poker. Here are the seven most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Revealing Cards Too Early
The Problem: Team members show their cards before everyone has made their estimate, leading to anchoring bias.
The Solution: Use a digital tool or designate a facilitator to ensure simultaneous reveals.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Discussion
The Problem: Teams immediately re-estimate without discussing why estimates differ.
The Solution: Always discuss the highest and lowest estimates before the next round.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Always reveal estimates simultaneously
- ✓Focus on discussion, not speed
- ✓Keep estimates relative to story points
- ✓Remember that estimates are not commitments