Planning Poker

5 minutes 5 Questions

Planning Poker is a consensus-based estimation technique where team members independently estimate effort or complexity of user stories by playing numbered cards. The deck represents the Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizes, or powers of 2. First, the product owner presents a user story, and after discussing it, each member selects a card representing their estimate. All cards are revealed simultaneously, and the outliers need to explain their rationale. Discussions help team members refine their understanding of the story, and the process is repeated until a consensus is established. Planning Poker promotes unbiased estimations, reduces groupthink, and uncovers hidden complexities or misunderstandings about the requirements.

Guide for Agile Estimation: Planning Poker

Planning Poker is an agile estimating and planning technique that aims to reach a group consensus in estimating tasks. It is a variation of the Wideband Delphi method using a deck of cards as a metaphor for points that are used in planning.
Importance:
Planning Poker is designed to combine several individual opinions into a single, collective best estimate. It's crucial aspect of Agile Project Management because it promotes healthy discussions, helps to avoid anchor bias and makes estimation more accurate.
How it works:
An initiator describes a user story for the team who asks questions for clarification. Each team member then privately selects a card representing their estimate of work effort required to complete that story, with card values being in the sequence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 40 and 100. Once all estimates are in, cards are revealed with the aim to achieve consensus on effort estimation.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Planning Poker
1. Remember that Planning Poker is a consensus-based estimating approach applied specifically within Agile methodologies.
2. Focus on understanding the sequence of card values and why these specific values are used. (Hint: It's a Fibonacci sequence to reflect the uncertainty in estimating larger items).
3. From a procedural point of view, you should understand and describe each step in the Planning Poker process from the initiation to the final consensus.
4. Be prepared to discuss the benefits of Planning Poker such as avoiding anchoring, promoting discussions, and achieving more accurate estimates.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

Question 1

A team is struggling with estimating the effort of a user story due to its complexity. How should the team proceed with planning poker?

Assign the highest effort score to the user story. Estimate randomly without further discussion. Let the team leader decide the effort for the user story. Break down the user story into smaller tasks and then estimate. Ignore the user story and proceed with remaining items. Have a designated team member estimate it alone.

Correct Answer: Break down the user story into smaller tasks and then estimate.

Breaking down the complex user story into smaller tasks allows the team to better understand and estimate each part. This leads to more accurate estimations.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of planning poker in Agile Project Management?

To reach a consensus by the team members about the effort required for a user story. To rank the priority of the user stories in the backlog. To predict the exact time needed to complete a user story. To decide which user stories will be added to the next sprint. To determine who will be responsible for completing each user story. To assign deadlines for each user story.

Correct Answer: To reach a consensus by the team members about the effort required for a user story.

Planning poker helps the team collaborate and reach a consensus on the effort required for each user story, promoting a more accurate estimation process.

Question 3

In planning poker, what should a team member do if they feel they require more information before making an estimation?

Wait until the end of the session to bring up the lack of information. Communicate the need for more information and discuss with the team. Choose the lowest possible effort because more information is needed. Estimate the effort and ask questions later. Abstain from voting in that round. Refer to the product owner for the final decision.

Correct Answer: Communicate the need for more information and discuss with the team.

Communication is essential during planning poker. If a team member needs more information, they should share their concern and discuss it with the team before proceeding with the estimation.

Go Premium