Author: Leo Katcher
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1786258285
Category : True Crime
Languages : en
Pages : 604
Book Description
Arnold Rothstein (1882-1928) was described in the newspapers of the 1920s as “a sportsman.” “a gambler.” “the man who fixed the 1919 World Series.” But he was much more than that. A bootlegger and labor racketeer, he corrupted politicians, promoted crooked stock sales, and imported narcotics. And, perhaps most importantly, he transformed organized crime from a thuggish activity practiced by hoodlums into a big business. run like a corporation, with himself at the top. For twenty years, the name of Arnold Rothstein symbolized money—big-time money, gambling money, racket money, illegal money, millions upon millions of dollars. His share was ninety percent of any deal; he was never indicted for a single crime: he always won at cards and horses. And, despite his involvement in dozens of murders and hundreds of other crimes, his luck never ran out. At least not until 1928, the year in which he was fatally shot. The perpetrators—and Rothstein's millions—were never found. The Big Bankroll is the definitive biography of the man known simply as Mr. Big. In it, Leo Katcher reveals not only the sordid details of the life of America's most powerful gambler, but illuminates the whole era in which crime became king. Leo Katcher was a reporter for the New York Post during Rothstein’s reign, and spent ten years researching this book, interviewing Lucky Luciano. Carolyn Behar (Rothstein's widow), and dozens of others.-Print ed. “This well-written book—part biography, part social history—is as fascinating as a dozen works of fiction, and a good deal more frightening.”—Spectator “Leo Katcher, who was a newspaperman in the days when Rothstein ruled, has brought not only the man but his times back to life. This is a vivid, fascinating book....Katcher does not glamorize Rothstein: he dissects him skillfully and explains him and his corrupt associates and the conditions which made it possible for such men to become wealthy and powerful....Katcher has done a superb job.”—Quentin Reynolds. Saturday Review
The Big Bankroll
Author: Leo Katcher
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1786258285
Category : True Crime
Languages : en
Pages : 604
Book Description
Arnold Rothstein (1882-1928) was described in the newspapers of the 1920s as “a sportsman.” “a gambler.” “the man who fixed the 1919 World Series.” But he was much more than that. A bootlegger and labor racketeer, he corrupted politicians, promoted crooked stock sales, and imported narcotics. And, perhaps most importantly, he transformed organized crime from a thuggish activity practiced by hoodlums into a big business. run like a corporation, with himself at the top. For twenty years, the name of Arnold Rothstein symbolized money—big-time money, gambling money, racket money, illegal money, millions upon millions of dollars. His share was ninety percent of any deal; he was never indicted for a single crime: he always won at cards and horses. And, despite his involvement in dozens of murders and hundreds of other crimes, his luck never ran out. At least not until 1928, the year in which he was fatally shot. The perpetrators—and Rothstein's millions—were never found. The Big Bankroll is the definitive biography of the man known simply as Mr. Big. In it, Leo Katcher reveals not only the sordid details of the life of America's most powerful gambler, but illuminates the whole era in which crime became king. Leo Katcher was a reporter for the New York Post during Rothstein’s reign, and spent ten years researching this book, interviewing Lucky Luciano. Carolyn Behar (Rothstein's widow), and dozens of others.-Print ed. “This well-written book—part biography, part social history—is as fascinating as a dozen works of fiction, and a good deal more frightening.”—Spectator “Leo Katcher, who was a newspaperman in the days when Rothstein ruled, has brought not only the man but his times back to life. This is a vivid, fascinating book....Katcher does not glamorize Rothstein: he dissects him skillfully and explains him and his corrupt associates and the conditions which made it possible for such men to become wealthy and powerful....Katcher has done a superb job.”—Quentin Reynolds. Saturday Review
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
ISBN: 1786258285
Category : True Crime
Languages : en
Pages : 604
Book Description
Arnold Rothstein (1882-1928) was described in the newspapers of the 1920s as “a sportsman.” “a gambler.” “the man who fixed the 1919 World Series.” But he was much more than that. A bootlegger and labor racketeer, he corrupted politicians, promoted crooked stock sales, and imported narcotics. And, perhaps most importantly, he transformed organized crime from a thuggish activity practiced by hoodlums into a big business. run like a corporation, with himself at the top. For twenty years, the name of Arnold Rothstein symbolized money—big-time money, gambling money, racket money, illegal money, millions upon millions of dollars. His share was ninety percent of any deal; he was never indicted for a single crime: he always won at cards and horses. And, despite his involvement in dozens of murders and hundreds of other crimes, his luck never ran out. At least not until 1928, the year in which he was fatally shot. The perpetrators—and Rothstein's millions—were never found. The Big Bankroll is the definitive biography of the man known simply as Mr. Big. In it, Leo Katcher reveals not only the sordid details of the life of America's most powerful gambler, but illuminates the whole era in which crime became king. Leo Katcher was a reporter for the New York Post during Rothstein’s reign, and spent ten years researching this book, interviewing Lucky Luciano. Carolyn Behar (Rothstein's widow), and dozens of others.-Print ed. “This well-written book—part biography, part social history—is as fascinating as a dozen works of fiction, and a good deal more frightening.”—Spectator “Leo Katcher, who was a newspaperman in the days when Rothstein ruled, has brought not only the man but his times back to life. This is a vivid, fascinating book....Katcher does not glamorize Rothstein: he dissects him skillfully and explains him and his corrupt associates and the conditions which made it possible for such men to become wealthy and powerful....Katcher has done a superb job.”—Quentin Reynolds. Saturday Review
Gambling Theory and Other Topics
Author: Mason Malmuth
Publisher: Two Plus Two Publishing LLC
ISBN: 9781880685037
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
Absolutely must reading for all serious gamblers. Most people who gamble are basically attracted by the action and the excitement that this form of entertainment offers. But a small number of people are quite successful at it. How is this so? What helps these few to make decisions that devastate their opponents? And what do you need to do to become successful at this extremely challenging occupation? This text attempts to answer these questions. You will be introduced to the dynamic concept of non-self-weighting strategies and shown how these strategies apply not only at the "very exciting gaming tables" but in real life as well. In addition, risk and fluctuations are discussed in terms of the standard deviation and their relationship to each other and to your bankroll. Some of the other topics addressed are bankroll requirements, win-rate accuracy, free bets, which blackjack count is best, lottery fallacies, dangerous ideas, poker tournament strategies (including when it is correct to rebuy), settling up in tournaments, pai gow poker, super pan nine, the world's greatest gamblers, and building pyramids.
Publisher: Two Plus Two Publishing LLC
ISBN: 9781880685037
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 420
Book Description
Absolutely must reading for all serious gamblers. Most people who gamble are basically attracted by the action and the excitement that this form of entertainment offers. But a small number of people are quite successful at it. How is this so? What helps these few to make decisions that devastate their opponents? And what do you need to do to become successful at this extremely challenging occupation? This text attempts to answer these questions. You will be introduced to the dynamic concept of non-self-weighting strategies and shown how these strategies apply not only at the "very exciting gaming tables" but in real life as well. In addition, risk and fluctuations are discussed in terms of the standard deviation and their relationship to each other and to your bankroll. Some of the other topics addressed are bankroll requirements, win-rate accuracy, free bets, which blackjack count is best, lottery fallacies, dangerous ideas, poker tournament strategies (including when it is correct to rebuy), settling up in tournaments, pai gow poker, super pan nine, the world's greatest gamblers, and building pyramids.
King of the Jews
Author: Nick Tosches
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0066211182
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 335
Book Description
A portrait of notorious gambler and New York businessman Arnold Rothstein examines the myths that surrounded his life, from his alleged links to the fixing of the 1919 World Series to his inspiration of literary and stage characters.
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0066211182
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 335
Book Description
A portrait of notorious gambler and New York businessman Arnold Rothstein examines the myths that surrounded his life, from his alleged links to the fixing of the 1919 World Series to his inspiration of literary and stage characters.
Building a Bankroll Full Ring Edition
Author: Pawel Nazarewicz
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615589886
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In January of 2010, while players complained about how difficult online poker had become, Pawel "Verneer" Nazarewicz wanted to demonstrate that, with the right approach, building a bankroll from scratch could still be done at the online tables. So starting at the micro stakes, he worked his way up the poker ladder turning $100 into $10,000 in 120 days. He accomplished the same feat a year later in exactly 100 days. In this book, Pawel shares the building blocks necessary for achieving long-term success at online poker. These teachings focus on seven fundamental concepts: - Accept Variance - Manage Your Bankroll - Develop Reads - Play Solid - Stay on Your A-Game - Put in the Hours - Remain a Student
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615589886
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
In January of 2010, while players complained about how difficult online poker had become, Pawel "Verneer" Nazarewicz wanted to demonstrate that, with the right approach, building a bankroll from scratch could still be done at the online tables. So starting at the micro stakes, he worked his way up the poker ladder turning $100 into $10,000 in 120 days. He accomplished the same feat a year later in exactly 100 days. In this book, Pawel shares the building blocks necessary for achieving long-term success at online poker. These teachings focus on seven fundamental concepts: - Accept Variance - Manage Your Bankroll - Develop Reads - Play Solid - Stay on Your A-Game - Put in the Hours - Remain a Student
The Big Rich
Author: Bryan Burrough
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0143116827
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
“Full of schadenfreude and speculation—and solid, timely history too.” —Kirkus Reviews “This is a portrait of capitalism as white-knuckle risk taking, yielding fruitful discoveries for the fathers, but only sterile speculation for the sons—a story that resonates with today's economic upheaval.” —Publishers Weekly “What's not to enjoy about a book full of monstrous egos, unimaginable sums of money, and the punishment of greed and shortsightedness?” —The Economist Phenomenal reviews and sales greeted the hardcover publication of The Big Rich, New York Times bestselling author Bryan Burrough's spellbinding chronicle of Texas oil. Weaving together the multigenerational sagas of the industry's four wealthiest families, Burrough brings to life the men known in their day as the Big Four: Roy Cullen, H. L. Hunt, Clint Murchison, and Sid Richardson, all swaggering Texas oil tycoons who owned sprawling ranches and mingled with presidents and Hollywood stars. Seamlessly charting their collective rise and fall, The Big Rich is a hugely entertaining account that only a writer with Burrough's abilities-and Texas upbringing-could have written.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0143116827
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
“Full of schadenfreude and speculation—and solid, timely history too.” —Kirkus Reviews “This is a portrait of capitalism as white-knuckle risk taking, yielding fruitful discoveries for the fathers, but only sterile speculation for the sons—a story that resonates with today's economic upheaval.” —Publishers Weekly “What's not to enjoy about a book full of monstrous egos, unimaginable sums of money, and the punishment of greed and shortsightedness?” —The Economist Phenomenal reviews and sales greeted the hardcover publication of The Big Rich, New York Times bestselling author Bryan Burrough's spellbinding chronicle of Texas oil. Weaving together the multigenerational sagas of the industry's four wealthiest families, Burrough brings to life the men known in their day as the Big Four: Roy Cullen, H. L. Hunt, Clint Murchison, and Sid Richardson, all swaggering Texas oil tycoons who owned sprawling ranches and mingled with presidents and Hollywood stars. Seamlessly charting their collective rise and fall, The Big Rich is a hugely entertaining account that only a writer with Burrough's abilities-and Texas upbringing-could have written.
The Smart Money
Author: Michael Konik
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0743281721
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
A riveting inside look at the lucrative world of professional high-stakes sports betting by a journalist who lived a secret life as a key operative in the world's most successful sports gambling ring. When journalist Michael Konik landed an interview with Rick "Big Daddy" Matthews, the largest bet he'd placed on a sporting event was $200. Konik, an expert blackjack and poker player, was no stranger to Vegas. But Matthews was in a different league: the man was rumored to be the world's smartest sports bettor, the mastermind behind "the Brain Trust," a shadowy group of gamblers known for their expertise in beating the Vegas line. Konik had heard the word on the street -- that Matthews was a snake, a conniver who would do anything to gain an edge. But he was also brilliant, cunning, and charming. And when he asked Konik if he'd like to "make a little money" during the football season, the writer found himself seduced . . . So began Michael Konik's wild ride as an operative of the elite Brain Trust. In The Smart Money, Konik takes readers behind the veil of secrecy shrouding the most successful sports betting operation in America, bypassing the myths and the rumors, going all the way to its innermost sanctum. He reveals how they -- and he -- got rich by beating the Vegas lines and, ultimately, the multimillion-dollar offshore betting circuit. He details the excesses and the betrayals, the horse-trading and the paranoia, that are the perks and perils of a lifestyle in which staking inordinate sums of money on the outcome of a single event -- sometimes as much as $1 million on a football game -- is a normal part of doing business.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0743281721
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
A riveting inside look at the lucrative world of professional high-stakes sports betting by a journalist who lived a secret life as a key operative in the world's most successful sports gambling ring. When journalist Michael Konik landed an interview with Rick "Big Daddy" Matthews, the largest bet he'd placed on a sporting event was $200. Konik, an expert blackjack and poker player, was no stranger to Vegas. But Matthews was in a different league: the man was rumored to be the world's smartest sports bettor, the mastermind behind "the Brain Trust," a shadowy group of gamblers known for their expertise in beating the Vegas line. Konik had heard the word on the street -- that Matthews was a snake, a conniver who would do anything to gain an edge. But he was also brilliant, cunning, and charming. And when he asked Konik if he'd like to "make a little money" during the football season, the writer found himself seduced . . . So began Michael Konik's wild ride as an operative of the elite Brain Trust. In The Smart Money, Konik takes readers behind the veil of secrecy shrouding the most successful sports betting operation in America, bypassing the myths and the rumors, going all the way to its innermost sanctum. He reveals how they -- and he -- got rich by beating the Vegas lines and, ultimately, the multimillion-dollar offshore betting circuit. He details the excesses and the betrayals, the horse-trading and the paranoia, that are the perks and perils of a lifestyle in which staking inordinate sums of money on the outcome of a single event -- sometimes as much as $1 million on a football game -- is a normal part of doing business.
The Big Book of Poker
Author: Dario De Toffili
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1848992513
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Want to win big at the poker table? Written with precision, simplicity and humour by a leading professional player, The Big Book of Poker is the best way for you to fall in love with the game and move from a being a regular loser to a confident winner. And there is no better teacher for you than poker expert and game theorist Dario De Toffoli. Put the odds in your favor using Dario's common-sense approaches and advanced concepts, including easy-to-memorize poker math. You'll soon be able to recognize and take advantage of different player types, be a master at betting and bankroll strategies, and put your best foot forward at final table play. Never sat down at the table before? Don't worry Dario ensures that you won't get lost in the thicket of call, pot and all in. You'll find all the rules, winning strategies and culture of Texas Hold'Em (no limit and fixed) are given pride of place throughout the book. He'll even make sure you look like a professional while you learn by explaining table etiquette and the history of the game, plus you can impress your friends with your knowledge of poker in cinema.
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1848992513
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Want to win big at the poker table? Written with precision, simplicity and humour by a leading professional player, The Big Book of Poker is the best way for you to fall in love with the game and move from a being a regular loser to a confident winner. And there is no better teacher for you than poker expert and game theorist Dario De Toffoli. Put the odds in your favor using Dario's common-sense approaches and advanced concepts, including easy-to-memorize poker math. You'll soon be able to recognize and take advantage of different player types, be a master at betting and bankroll strategies, and put your best foot forward at final table play. Never sat down at the table before? Don't worry Dario ensures that you won't get lost in the thicket of call, pot and all in. You'll find all the rules, winning strategies and culture of Texas Hold'Em (no limit and fixed) are given pride of place throughout the book. He'll even make sure you look like a professional while you learn by explaining table etiquette and the history of the game, plus you can impress your friends with your knowledge of poker in cinema.
Phil Gordon's Little Gold Book
Author: Phil Gordon
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451641605
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
Since reigning poker expert Phil Gordon’s Little Green Book illuminated the strategies and philosophies necessary to win at No Limit Texas Hold’em, poker has changed quickly and dramatically. Today, Pot Limit Omaha is the game of choice at nosebleed stakes. The players are aggressive, the games are volatile, the decisions are tough, and the pressure is relentless. This is Poker 2.0. In his Little Gold Book, Phil Gordon reexamines the game from the ground up. The key to competing with today’s top players is finding the post-flop edge, but to really understand this new playing style, you need to get comfortable with the underlying math. Don’t be intimidated. Gordon makes this challenging material as approachable and simple as possible. Beginning with the foundations of Poker 2.0, he unpacks the modern poker player’s tool kit, rigorously examines the new lines of play in No Limit Hold’em, dissects the fast and furious strategies of Pot Limit Omaha, and explores the winning poker mind-set that will take your game to an entirely different level. The golden age of poker is upon us. Phil Gordon’s Little Gold Book will shorten your learning curve, and if you’re willing to put in the time and the work, big bankrolls await.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451641605
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
Since reigning poker expert Phil Gordon’s Little Green Book illuminated the strategies and philosophies necessary to win at No Limit Texas Hold’em, poker has changed quickly and dramatically. Today, Pot Limit Omaha is the game of choice at nosebleed stakes. The players are aggressive, the games are volatile, the decisions are tough, and the pressure is relentless. This is Poker 2.0. In his Little Gold Book, Phil Gordon reexamines the game from the ground up. The key to competing with today’s top players is finding the post-flop edge, but to really understand this new playing style, you need to get comfortable with the underlying math. Don’t be intimidated. Gordon makes this challenging material as approachable and simple as possible. Beginning with the foundations of Poker 2.0, he unpacks the modern poker player’s tool kit, rigorously examines the new lines of play in No Limit Hold’em, dissects the fast and furious strategies of Pot Limit Omaha, and explores the winning poker mind-set that will take your game to an entirely different level. The golden age of poker is upon us. Phil Gordon’s Little Gold Book will shorten your learning curve, and if you’re willing to put in the time and the work, big bankrolls await.
Big Slick
Author: Eric Luper
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 1429938951
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
All in all, sixteen-year-old Andrew Lang has been dealt a pretty good hand in life. Sure, he has to spend his afternoons slaving away in the hellhole that is his dad's dry-cleaning business, but even that's not so bad with Jasmine, the seriously hot Goth-chick senior, working right beside him. So what if she's got a boyfriend? Plus, Andrew's got an ace up his sleeve – he's good at poker. Very good. Unfortunately, all it takes is one bad beat at Shushie's illegal poker club to turn Andrew's bankroll from huge to nonexistent. And Andrew's pretty sure that sooner or later his dad's going to notice that $600 he "borrowed" from the register. Andrew thinks he may know how to get the money back, but it's a little bit crazy, and a little bit dangerous . . . In this breakneck-paced novel about gambling and growing up, the stakes are high, and Andrew must ask himself: What does going all in really mean?
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 1429938951
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
All in all, sixteen-year-old Andrew Lang has been dealt a pretty good hand in life. Sure, he has to spend his afternoons slaving away in the hellhole that is his dad's dry-cleaning business, but even that's not so bad with Jasmine, the seriously hot Goth-chick senior, working right beside him. So what if she's got a boyfriend? Plus, Andrew's got an ace up his sleeve – he's good at poker. Very good. Unfortunately, all it takes is one bad beat at Shushie's illegal poker club to turn Andrew's bankroll from huge to nonexistent. And Andrew's pretty sure that sooner or later his dad's going to notice that $600 he "borrowed" from the register. Andrew thinks he may know how to get the money back, but it's a little bit crazy, and a little bit dangerous . . . In this breakneck-paced novel about gambling and growing up, the stakes are high, and Andrew must ask himself: What does going all in really mean?
The Biggest Bluff
Author: Maria Konnikova
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525522646
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 369
Book Description
A New York Times bestseller • A New York Times Notable Book “The tale of how Konnikova followed a story about poker players and wound up becoming a story herself will have you riveted, first as you learn about her big winnings, and then as she conveys the lessons she learned both about human nature and herself.” —The Washington Post It's true that Maria Konnikova had never actually played poker before and didn't even know the rules when she approached Erik Seidel, Poker Hall of Fame inductee and winner of tens of millions of dollars in earnings, and convinced him to be her mentor. But she knew her man: a famously thoughtful and broad-minded player, he was intrigued by her pitch that she wasn't interested in making money so much as learning about life. She had faced a stretch of personal bad luck, and her reflections on the role of chance had led her to a giant of game theory, who pointed her to poker as the ultimate master class in learning to distinguish between what can be controlled and what can't. And she certainly brought something to the table, including a Ph.D. in psychology and an acclaimed and growing body of work on human behavior and how to hack it. So Seidel was in, and soon she was down the rabbit hole with him, into the wild, fiercely competitive, overwhelmingly masculine world of high-stakes Texas Hold'em, their initial end point the following year's World Series of Poker. But then something extraordinary happened. Under Seidel's guidance, Konnikova did have many epiphanies about life that derived from her new pursuit, including how to better read, not just her opponents but far more importantly herself; how to identify what tilted her into an emotional state that got in the way of good decisions; and how to get to a place where she could accept luck for what it was, and what it wasn't. But she also began to win. And win. In a little over a year, she began making earnest money from tournaments, ultimately totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. She won a major title, got a sponsor, and got used to being on television, and to headlines like "How one writer's book deal turned her into a professional poker player." She even learned to like Las Vegas. But in the end, Maria Konnikova is a writer and student of human behavior, and ultimately the point was to render her incredible journey into a container for its invaluable lessons. The biggest bluff of all, she learned, is that skill is enough. Bad cards will come our way, but keeping our focus on how we play them and not on the outcome will keep us moving through many a dark patch, until the luck once again breaks our way.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525522646
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 369
Book Description
A New York Times bestseller • A New York Times Notable Book “The tale of how Konnikova followed a story about poker players and wound up becoming a story herself will have you riveted, first as you learn about her big winnings, and then as she conveys the lessons she learned both about human nature and herself.” —The Washington Post It's true that Maria Konnikova had never actually played poker before and didn't even know the rules when she approached Erik Seidel, Poker Hall of Fame inductee and winner of tens of millions of dollars in earnings, and convinced him to be her mentor. But she knew her man: a famously thoughtful and broad-minded player, he was intrigued by her pitch that she wasn't interested in making money so much as learning about life. She had faced a stretch of personal bad luck, and her reflections on the role of chance had led her to a giant of game theory, who pointed her to poker as the ultimate master class in learning to distinguish between what can be controlled and what can't. And she certainly brought something to the table, including a Ph.D. in psychology and an acclaimed and growing body of work on human behavior and how to hack it. So Seidel was in, and soon she was down the rabbit hole with him, into the wild, fiercely competitive, overwhelmingly masculine world of high-stakes Texas Hold'em, their initial end point the following year's World Series of Poker. But then something extraordinary happened. Under Seidel's guidance, Konnikova did have many epiphanies about life that derived from her new pursuit, including how to better read, not just her opponents but far more importantly herself; how to identify what tilted her into an emotional state that got in the way of good decisions; and how to get to a place where she could accept luck for what it was, and what it wasn't. But she also began to win. And win. In a little over a year, she began making earnest money from tournaments, ultimately totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. She won a major title, got a sponsor, and got used to being on television, and to headlines like "How one writer's book deal turned her into a professional poker player." She even learned to like Las Vegas. But in the end, Maria Konnikova is a writer and student of human behavior, and ultimately the point was to render her incredible journey into a container for its invaluable lessons. The biggest bluff of all, she learned, is that skill is enough. Bad cards will come our way, but keeping our focus on how we play them and not on the outcome will keep us moving through many a dark patch, until the luck once again breaks our way.