Scrum Poker Guide

Scrum poker is the same consensus-based estimation technique as planning poker, used specifically within Scrum frameworks. The Product Owner presents backlog items, the Development Team estimates effort, and the Scrum Master facilitates discussion until the team aligns.

Typical scrum poker flow

• Review the user story and acceptance criteria as a team
• Ask questions until everyone understands the scope
• Each participant selects an estimate card privately
• Reveal all cards at the same time
• Discuss outliers, then re-vote if needed
• Record the agreed story point value and move to the next item

Tips for effective scrum poker

Timebox discussion on each story, use a consistent estimation scale across sprints, and treat large spreads in votes as a signal to split or refine the story rather than forcing a quick number.