Planning Poker Template
Backlog Refinement
Refine and size the next two sprints' stories before planning day
A structured backlog refinement session where the team reviews upcoming stories, clarifies acceptance criteria, and assigns Fibonacci estimates. Stories that pass through refinement are sprint-ready, so planning meetings stay fast. Use the discussion phase to break down vague requirements and flag blockers before they stall a sprint mid-way.
Deck type
fibonacci
Duration
60 minutes
Team size
4–9 people
Estimation focus
Effort and clarity
Steps
- 01Product owner presents the next 10–15 stories in priority order
- 02Team asks clarifying questions until acceptance criteria are clear
- 03Vote silently on story size
- 04Reveal and discuss — focus on why estimates differ widely
- 05Split or defer any story where consensus is impossible
- 06Mark refined stories as sprint-ready
When to use
Once per week, mid-sprint, so the next sprint's backlog is fully groomed before planning day. Aim to have two sprints' worth of refined stories at all times.
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