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Wise And Otherwise: A Game Of Partial Information

Feynman’s Wisdom at the Poker Table: Lessons for No Limit Hold'em

The Universal Tell in Poker Is Betting

1. “I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”

"I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned."
Poker Parallel: Poker is a game of incomplete information. You often face situations with no clear answer (e.g., should you bluff or not?), but the beauty of poker lies in continuously questioning assumptions about your opponent’s tendencies, ranges, and tells.

2. “Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts.”

"Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts."
Poker Parallel: Even the best poker players can make mistakes or misread situations. Trusting solely in “expert moves” without adapting to your specific table dynamics can be disastrous. True mastery involves challenging accepted strategies and innovating based on your experience.

3. “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.”

"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool."
Poker Parallel: Self-deception is a player’s greatest enemy. Convincing yourself that your opponent always has a specific hand or that your bad play was unlucky can prevent improvement. Honest analysis and self-awareness are crucial for growth.

4. “I don’t know anything, but I do know that everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”

"I don’t know anything, but I do know that everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough."
Poker Parallel: Every hand in poker, from the mundane to the spectacular, has layers of complexity. Whether you’re deciding how to play pocket aces or figuring out a marginal bluff, diving deep into the decision-making process reveals endless opportunities to learn.

5. “We are trying to prove ourselves wrong as quickly as possible, because only in that way can we find progress.”

"We are trying to prove ourselves wrong as quickly as possible, because only in that way can we find progress."
Poker Parallel: A great poker player constantly reevaluates their strategies and decisions. By actively seeking flaws in their game (e.g., calling too often, bluffing too little), they can refine their play and stay ahead of the competition.

6. “I think it’s much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong.”

"I think it’s much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong."
Poker Parallel: Uncertainty is inherent to poker. Accepting that you’ll never know an opponent’s exact hand fosters creative thinking and adaptability, which are far more valuable than relying on rigid, potentially faulty conclusions.

7. “The pleasure of finding things out is the greatest reward science has to offer.”

"The pleasure of finding things out is the greatest reward science has to offer."
Poker Parallel: In poker, the thrill of discovering patterns in opponents, exploiting weaknesses, or solving tricky situations is deeply rewarding. The joy lies not just in winning but in uncovering the strategies that lead to victory.

8. “What I cannot create, I do not understand.”

"What I cannot create, I do not understand."
Poker Parallel: To truly master poker, you must not only study strategies but also apply them. If you can’t construct and execute a successful bluff, for example, you haven’t fully understood the dynamics of aggression and deception.

Edible Knowledge to Chew On: A Digestible Guide to Poker Decisions

Poker Mastery Blueprint

Infinite Patience Brings Immediate Results



Learn Poker In 10 Years. What's The Rush?

Ed Reif's blog offers deep insights into the multifaceted world of poker, blending strategy, philosophy, and psychology. It covers essential poker concepts such as recognizing behavioral tells, managing emotional pitfalls, and embracing selective aggression. Beyond the game, his content delves into broader themes like mindset transformation, decision science, and emotional intelligence.

Key Highlights Include:

  • Strategic Analysis: Topics like bluffing techniques and the role of in poker are presented with actionable insights.
  • Philosophical Explorations: Discussions emphasize the impartial nature of the game and the transformative power of reframing challenges.
  • Emotional Mastery: Articles guide players on navigating tilt, managing dopamine swings, and leveraging emotional resilience.

Ed's approach is holistic, aiming to enhance both poker performance and personal growth, making his blog a treasure trove for poker enthusiasts and thinkers alike.

Poker Mastery Blueprint

In Poker, Outcomes Don't Define Great Decisions

A great decision stems from a solid process, one that accurately reflects our knowledge – which often boils down to the big shrug, "I'm not sure." It's about embracing uncertainty and making peace with it, despite knowing losing feels about twice as bad as winning feels good; being wrong feels about twice as bad as being right feels good.

Speculating Against Yourself

Most of the time, we're not betting against other players; we're betting against all the future versions of ourselves we're not choosing. Improving decision quality means increasing our chances of favorable outcomes, not guaranteeing them.

You Shall Know The Truth But First It Will Piss You Off

Even the smartest people can fall into the confirmation bias trap, finding countless reasons to support their own side in an argument. Our goal should be truth-seeking – to uncover the truth no matter how it aligns with our beliefs.

Why Be A Man When You Can Be A Success

Outcomes don't define the quality of our decisions. Unlike chess, where you can backtrack from the result to determine decision quality, poker's blend of hidden information and luck makes learning from outcomes a bit of a gamble.

The Value of Playing The Long Game

Recognizing negative outcomes as learning opportunities helps ease the personal sting. By identifying what we did well, what was out of our control, and what we can improve, we turn negatives into positives.

Embracing Uncertainty

Accepting "I don't know" as a valid answer brings us closer to reality. It helps avoid black-and-white thinking and promotes a more balanced view of the world. Acknowledging uncertainty helps us make better decisions.

Decision-Making in Life and Poker

In life and poker, decisions involve uncertainty, risk, and sometimes deception. Treating them as bets can help us learn from uncertain environments, avoid decision traps, and keep emotions in check.

Luck Is Probability Taken Personally

Poker isn't just about skill; luck plays a huge role. Understanding the probabilistic nature of our beliefs and decisions helps us navigate the game better. The more challenging situations we face and learn from, the better prepared—and luckier—we become in the long run.

Luck Taken Personally At The Venetian