She’s not the first writer to jump into the middle of the action.Īl Alvarez was right in the middle of the 1981 World Series of Poker Main Event when he wrote the seminal poker book The Biggest Game in Town, capturing the real spirit and vibe of the game. While researching a third book about luck and decision-making, now titled The Biggest Bluff, Konnikova began studying the game and entering some tournaments last year. A longtime writer for The New Yorker and the author of two bestselling books, Konnikova took a circuitous route to poker success. It’s been quite a transition over the last year.
It’s the mental game that Konnikova appreciates, fitting for a Columbia University-trained experimental psychologist. Adjusting her chip stacks, Konnikova takes in the action and watches her opponents – focused on the task at hand. She smiles and occasionally checks her phone.
A chorus of clattering poker chips fills the tournament area.
As cards are dealt, she chats a bit with her tablemates and sips a coffee. With only 24 players remaining in the WPT Borgata at the start of Day 4, Maria Konnikova (pictured) was seated among those vying for a title.
