Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova

Why ChatGPT Sucks at Poker

17 snips
May 29, 2025
The hosts dive into why ChatGPT struggles with poker, showcasing the gaps in AI's strategic thinking compared to human intuition. They humorously highlight the AI's errors and discuss broader implications for advancements in artificial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the ongoing Trump vs. Harvard saga, probing the impact of AI on academic admissions and societal dynamics. Finally, they reflect on the challenges of maintaining integrity in gaming and the complexities of free speech in education.
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INSIGHT

Poker as AI Intelligence Test

  • Poker is a complex game that tests broad intelligence beyond just math skills.
  • Unlike chess or Go, poker involves multiple players, deception, and real-time adjustment, making it harder for AI like ChatGPT.
INSIGHT

ChatGPT's Poker Challenges

  • ChatGPT struggles with poker because it can't track and prioritize vital game elements like stack sizes or hand strength.
  • Its transformer architecture doesn't effectively manage game states requiring working memory and nuanced strategy.
INSIGHT

AI Errors Are Hard to Spot

  • AI is 90% accurate but its errors become harder to detect as they differ from human mistakes.
  • Developers rely on experts to spot AI errors, but new users may lack skills to identify subtle AI flaws.
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