spaceforcewife21's review against another edition
3.0
This book reads like it's part memoir part self help. The author uses her Psychology background to study chance/risk and how it relates to the poker world and real life. I will admit this is not a book that I would normally pick up. I have absolutely no interest in poker, gambling, Vegas, etc. However, the psychological study of risk taking, how to take better risks in life, and how to read people enticed me. Those along with the Modern Mrs. Darcy's review of the book (who also claims not to like poker, but found the book interesting).
The opening chapters I really enjoyed. After that it really depended on the focus of the chapter- some were more poker specific (which I didn't find as interesting) and others were more psychology focused (which I really enjoyed).
I don't feel like I really learned anything new from this book, but I have noticed that I have been analyzing my decision making process more since I started this book. While some parts of the book dragged, others I found interesting. I cannot say it's the best book I've read, but it was interesting and I'm glad I decided to read it. 3.5*
The opening chapters I really enjoyed. After that it really depended on the focus of the chapter- some were more poker specific (which I didn't find as interesting) and others were more psychology focused (which I really enjoyed).
I don't feel like I really learned anything new from this book, but I have noticed that I have been analyzing my decision making process more since I started this book. While some parts of the book dragged, others I found interesting. I cannot say it's the best book I've read, but it was interesting and I'm glad I decided to read it. 3.5*
dcmr's review against another edition
3.0
Well written and insightful; I just don't know enough about poker to fully appreciate this book.
almartin's review against another edition
4.0
part travelogue, part meditation on thinking, part poker apologia, part buddy comedy with Eric Siedel. konnikova is a hell of a writer so each of those parts succeeds, though not as much when considered as a single vehicle.
hgranger's review against another edition
4.0
Update to review: upon reflection, the long-winded passages, especially towards the beginning of the book probably pull it down from 5-star perfection to a 4-4.5 stars. (The excellent ending probably overshadowed the boring parts of the beginning
brownie3415's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
rberenguel's review against another edition
4.0
It's entertaining, but mostly covers (and not a lot) stuff I have read in other psychology books. The story is entertaining though and is a fluid read (hence the 4 stars).
floopy's review against another edition
5.0
Great ending that really makes you think. Amazing story.