I think that besides visual or terminology flavor, the only things that Balatro has in common with poker are the deck of playing cards, and playing poker hands.

Everything else about multipliers, build synergy, bosses, or score thresholds is all video game nerd shit.

There’s no bluffing or calling bluffs, small and big blinds are completely different, there aren’t other hands to play against, no betting, no river, turn, etc.

It’s fuckin good though.