In these essays Arthur S. Reber tries to take elements of the human condition, those that social scientists have learned a good deal about, and show how they interlock with the game. Some chapters start with a psychological principle and look at what it can tell us about poker. Some begin with a particular aspect of the game and seek to unpack the psychological processes that underlie it. Others look at mathematical and statistical aspects with an eye to the impact they have on our perceptions and understanding of how to play the game. Still others examine individuals who play and write about poker.

There is some poker strategy buried in these essays but not directly. They weren’t written to teach anyone how to play poker. Some of them may help you play better but the real goal is understanding the game from the psychologist’s perspective.