summary ofThe Biggest BluffBook by Maria Konnikova

first KEY POINT

Poker is a perfect handbook on playing life

People make decisions every day. They hesitate about which university to attend, what route to take, or how they should respond in particular situations. In most cases, the judgment that helps individuals to find their way comes naturally; previous life experiences are good teachers. Playing poker can help master decision-making ability. Believe it or not, this game is excellent training for managing emotions and thin-slicing others. In effect, it can teach you to not only catch other people's bluffs but also successfully disguise yourself. Although there are different categories of poker, there are fundamental principles that you notice in each game. Community cards, for example, are those that all players can see. A person receives a certain number of cards facedown, and only they can take a look at them. With this information on hand, the player needs to make a decision. Note that it is a hit-or-miss situation — they can only assume other players' cards. You most likely have heard the expression “poker face” — in other words, impassive and chill demeanor. It is the proper behavior of poker players who can read the room's atmosphere and stay cold-blooded.

This summary will provide valuable insights into better understanding how to act in unpredictable situations and transform your mindset. A poker game is similar to reality — you are constantly in two conditions: you either hold the reins and control all the events or are at the mercy of chance and fate. You may mathematically calculate the outcomes of your actions, but in reality, you can never know for sure. Here is the magic and appeal of the poker game.