Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science

Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science

About the guest:
Annie Duke is a decision strategist, author, and former professional poker player known for her expertise in cognitive science and decision-making under uncertainty. Originally pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, she shifted paths due to illness and went on to win a World Series of Poker championship, eventually becoming one of the most successful female players in the game’s history. Leveraging her background in cognitive science and poker, Annie transitioned into writing, speaking, and consulting, authoring acclaimed books such as Thinking in Bets, How to Decide, and Quit. She is also the co-founder of the Alliance for Decision Education, advocating for better thinking skills in K–12 education. Annie’s work bridges rigorous research with practical frameworks for better decisions in life and business.

Connect with Annie! https://x.com/annieduke?lang=en
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Life Pivot  
03:38 Entering the Poker World  
06:08 The Bridge Between Poker & Cognitive Science  
09:00 Decision Education & Career Evolution  
10:59 Forecasting in Personal Decisions  
14:24 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Thinking  
18:12 The Danger of “Going With Your Gut”  
23:12 Aligning Internal & External Perspectives  
25:48 Defining Terms & Clarifying Assumptions  
34:01 The Myth of Mysticism in Decision-Making  
40:43 Experience vs. Explicit Models  
53:40 Closing Thoughts on Self-Improvement

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala