The Alchemist's Library Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science
Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science
About the guest:
Annie Duke is a decision strategist, author, and former professional poker player known for her expertise in cognitive science and decision-making under uncertainty. Originally pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, she shifted paths due to illness and went on to win a World Series of Poker championship, eventually becoming one of the most successful female players in the game’s history. Leveraging her background in cognitive science and poker, Annie transitioned into writing, speaking, and consulting, authoring acclaimed books such as Thinking in Bets, How to Decide, and Quit. She is also the co-founder of the Alliance for Decision Education, advocating for better thinking skills in K–12 education. Annie’s work bridges rigorous research with practical frameworks for better decisions in life and business.
Connect with Annie! https://x.com/annieduke?lang=en
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Life Pivot
03:38 Entering the Poker World
06:08 The Bridge Between Poker & Cognitive Science
09:00 Decision Education & Career Evolution
10:59 Forecasting in Personal Decisions
14:24 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Thinking
18:12 The Danger of “Going With Your Gut”
23:12 Aligning Internal & External Perspectives
25:48 Defining Terms & Clarifying Assumptions
34:01 The Myth of Mysticism in Decision-Making
40:43 Experience vs. Explicit Models
53:40 Closing Thoughts on Self-Improvement
Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala