Maria Konnikova, a New York Times best-selling author, journalist, Harvard graduate with a PhD in psychology, and professional poker player, reveals how she sees the role of luck and skill in the game of poker. Maria and Jaime discuss what it takes to cancel variance and how to succeed long-term by truly observing and practicing mindfulness. Listen in to hear what Maria has learned on her journey to becoming an professional of the game – and learn the secret recipe for success in any industry. 

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:00 – 04:30 – Weekly poker updates, the Mike Postle case update, Jamie's opinion on what happened, and some series news and announcements.
• 04:30 – 16:00 - Maria's poker journey, why she became interested in luck and the role it plays in our life, and how she relates poker game theory to life thanks to John Von Neumann.
• 16:00 – 23:00 - How she came to Erik Seidel, how luck and skill play a role in poker, and her explanation behind cancelling variance by playing volume.
• 23:00 – 29:30 - Maria's poker career, the highlights she is proud of, her biggest challenges and lessons, and what she explored during and after the writing of her book.
• 29:30 – 39:00 - On women in poker, how she feels in the poker world as a woman, and Maria's thoughts on mindfulness and being able to see and observe in poker.
• 39:00 – 45:00 – What the best players have in common, what you can do to expand your perspectives and improve your game, partypoker updates, and the JS Poker Hero competition.

3 Key Points

• In order to cancel variance you need volume.
• Notice and learn from your mistakes.
• See AND observe.

Contact/Resources

partypoker

Maria's Website

Maria's Twitter

Maria's Instagram

Maria's newest book The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win