Which agile technique is commonly used for estimating user stories?

Planning poker is a collaborative estimation technique specifically designed for Agile environments, particularly within Scrum teams. It involves team members using a deck of cards with numerical values to represent their estimates for the effort required to complete user stories. Each member selects a card privately and then reveals their estimates simultaneously. This method facilitates discussion, as discrepancies in estimates can lead to deeper understanding of different perspectives and assumptions about the work involved.

The use of planning poker encourages participation from all team members, ensuring that various insights and expertise are considered. This approach helps to reach a consensus on the complexity and effort required for user stories, which is crucial for effective sprint planning and backlog management. Overall, planning poker not only aids in estimating but also fosters team collaboration and engagement, which are key principles of Agile methodology.