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Maria Konnikova
Psychology & Personal Growth
Maria Konnikova is an American writer and psychologist whose work explores human behavior, decision-making, and the role of chance.
Biography
Maria Konnikova is an American writer born in 1984 who holds a PhD in psychology. Her work examines human behavior and decision-making. She is a New Yorker contributor and has written three books that appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, including Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes. She has also worked as a television producer, poker player, and podcaster.
After a period of personal bad luck prompted her to consider the role of chance, Konnikova turned to poker to explore the distinction between what people can and cannot control. Although she had never played and did not know the rules, she persuaded poker player Erik Seidel to mentor her. Her pursuit took her into competitive, high-stakes Texas Hold'em, with the following year's World Series of Poker as their initial goal.
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Books by Maria Konnikova
The Biggest Bluff
The Biggest Bluff follows Konnikova's transition from poker novice to professional player under Erik Seidel's mentorship. It explores how her grounding in psychology and experiences at the poker table informed her understanding of decision-making, chance, and control.