

102 | Maria Konnikova on Poker, Psychology, and Reason
Jun 22, 2020
Maria Konnikova, a contributing writer for The New Yorker and accomplished poker player, shares her unique journey from psychology to professional poker. The conversation dives into how poker mirrors real-life decision-making, emphasizing the balance of emotions and rationality. They explore the psychological strategies essential for success, including the nuances of bluffing and managing 'tilt.' Furthermore, Konnikova examines how randomness shapes our understanding of chance and decision-making, showcasing poker as a metaphor for personal growth and cognitive biases.
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Unexpected Poker Journey
- Maria Konnikova, initially a psychologist and writer, unexpectedly became a professional poker player.
- This journey started with a desire to explore chance and control, inspired by life events and von Neumann's game theory.
A Clean Slate
- Konnikova's poker journey began with a clean slate, not even knowing how many cards were in a deck.
- Her coach, Eric Seidel, still teases her about this initial lack of knowledge.
Poker as a Metaphor for Life
- Poker mirrors real-life decision-making with incomplete information and randomness.
- Its simplicity makes it a powerful learning tool for understanding these elements.