The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova

4.0 AVERAGE

jpoletto's review against another edition

3.5
informative inspiring fast-paced
miguelf's profile picture

miguelf's review against another edition

3.0
You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to follllld ‘em… Short summary: a psychology post-doc enters the world of competitive poker and parses the "players" mind and has a mini-Rocky experience. The main weakness of this book is that it doesn’t really expand much beyond the world of competitive betting either from a psychological or social analysis. If you’re not a fan of gambling it’s a bit tough to relate (the world of professional gambling is about as interesting as reading a book on professional e-Sports players) and the book becomes a bit of a chore to get through. On top the characters introduced are uninteresting and/or toxic personalities with plenty of sexism thrown at the author. In the end it doesn’t get much deeper than a famous Kenny Rogers tune.

williamthill's review against another edition

5.0
Great read on the benefits of understanding and managing the emotions of yourself and others. Through the lens of a write turned poker player. Good writing, easy conversational style, engaging.

michaelhmackin's review against another edition

4.0
funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
mlhalsey's profile picture

mlhalsey's review against another edition

5.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
This was a great way to learn what the big deal about poker is, to experience vicariously what it's like to learn and master the game, and to understand how good decision-making skills contribute to mastery of the game. 

memphisholli's review against another edition

4.0
challenging informative reflective medium-paced

dudavocado's review against another edition

5.0
challenging funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced