Summary of BIGGEST BLUFF

Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win is Maria Konnikova's memoir about her decision to change career paths and take up professional poker. Konnikova begins by discussing her upbringing and academic career as a psychology PhD student who specialized in the subject of luck. She then explains her conviction that, through poker, she could learn more about people, psychology, and strategy and luck. Konnikova then narrates her journey as she enters into the world of professional poker to explore her hypothesis. She delves into the study of both mathematical probabilities and the psychology of the game in pursuit of mastering the craft. Through her trials and tribulations, Konnikova is able to develop a unique perspective on the game—both from the perspective of a student and as an accomplished player—a perspective that allows her to not just survive, but to win and thrive in the game. Along the way, she also conveys several important lessons about “paying attention, mastering oneself, and taking risks.”