The Psychology of Success by Maria Konnikova

Poker is a card game played by two or more players. It has become an important part of the gambling industry, and is played in casinos, private clubs, and online. The game spread to America in the 19th century. The modern game of poker includes a standard 52-card deck and different rules for dealing, betting, and winning.

DUKE: There’s a new book out by Maria Konnikova, who’s a super smart psychology PhD who learned to play poker as a way to understand uncertainty and the influence of luck in life. She’s also a top-notch player, and this is a fascinating memoir about her journey as well as a meditation on poker strategy and the psychology of success. I think everyone should read it.

A good poker player develops strategies through careful self-examination and by observing other players at the table. They know what to look for, such as body language that signals they’re stressed or bluffing, and they’re able to adjust their tactics on the fly. This type of thinking can be applied to other areas of life, such as giving a presentation or leading a group of people.

Like any casino game, poker can lead to big losses, so good players learn to manage risk. They don’t bet more than they can afford to lose, and they know when to walk away from a hand. This type of discipline can be applied to other aspects of life, such as investing or running a business.