Pitonealal
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Poker is often described as a game that requires skill, math, and psychology, but how “scientific” are our real-world decisions at the table?
Recently, I've delved into the study of decision-making under uncertainty, and it amazes me how many concepts in cognitive science and behavioral economics apply directly to poker. For example, theories like perspective theory and loss aversion theory explain why players often make sub-optimal calls or avoid good bluffs—not because they don't understand math, but because their brains are wired to avoid immediate losses rather than seek long-term gains.
Even when we know our chances of winning, our expected benefits, and our range advantage, emotions and biases still influence our results. Some research suggests that tilt is closely related to the same neurological patterns seen in frustration and gambling addiction—a feedback loop between emotions and decision making.
On the other hand, poker also trains what psychologists call tolerance for deferred rewards — the ability to make good decisions without immediate positive feedback. Few activities in life develop this skill as effectively as poker.
I wonder how many of us are actually training our minds as scientists — by monitoring electric vehicle performance, quantifying our emotional responses, and analyzing leaks statistically rather than emotionally.
Do you think poker should be studied more as a learning discipline rather than just a game?
And to what extent is your success due to studying math and to what extent is it due to mental training?
It would be interesting to see if anyone here is applying concepts from psychology, neuroscience, or data science to their game. We might even be able to organize a series of “The Science of Poker” discussions by bringing theory, math, and thinking together in one place.
Recently, I've delved into the study of decision-making under uncertainty, and it amazes me how many concepts in cognitive science and behavioral economics apply directly to poker. For example, theories like perspective theory and loss aversion theory explain why players often make sub-optimal calls or avoid good bluffs—not because they don't understand math, but because their brains are wired to avoid immediate losses rather than seek long-term gains.
Even when we know our chances of winning, our expected benefits, and our range advantage, emotions and biases still influence our results. Some research suggests that tilt is closely related to the same neurological patterns seen in frustration and gambling addiction—a feedback loop between emotions and decision making.
On the other hand, poker also trains what psychologists call tolerance for deferred rewards — the ability to make good decisions without immediate positive feedback. Few activities in life develop this skill as effectively as poker.
I wonder how many of us are actually training our minds as scientists — by monitoring electric vehicle performance, quantifying our emotional responses, and analyzing leaks statistically rather than emotionally.
Do you think poker should be studied more as a learning discipline rather than just a game?
And to what extent is your success due to studying math and to what extent is it due to mental training?
It would be interesting to see if anyone here is applying concepts from psychology, neuroscience, or data science to their game. We might even be able to organize a series of “The Science of Poker” discussions by bringing theory, math, and thinking together in one place.
