Malcolm Gladwell and Poker

[pseudoswede]

Malcolm Gladwell is one of my favorite authors. Although he never specifically writes about poker, some of his musings do involve things that (I think) can relate to poker.

In The Tipping Point, he write that it takes just one person--in the right situation in the right time--to create a fad. I think we can safely say that Chris Moneymaker's WSOP win has created the poker world we all enjoy now.

In Blink, he writes that an expert's instant, initial gut feeling--without performing any long, deep analysis--is always right.

In Outliers, he writes that becoming an "expert" in any field requires an absolute minimum of 10,000 hours of work in said-field. That means, if you work 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year, it would take approximately 5 years. Some examples he provided include The Beatles--who spent approximately 10,000 hours performing in German strip clubs and tiny Liverpool bars before releasing Sgt. Pepper's, Bill Gates, and Bill Joy--the guy who started Sun Microsystems.

So... do you think his observations can be applied towards poker? Is just 10,000 hours enough, or does it have to be 10,000 hours of "serious" poker playing? Do you rely on your initial gut feelings more than five minutes "in the tank"?

Regardless, I highly recommend these books.

[Rat]

Is just 10,000 hours enough, or does it have to be 10,000 hours of "serious" poker playing?

I disagree with that statement as written.  It would have to be qualified.  A quick and dirty example is the poker de-generate who just likes to splash around in pots and have fun gambling, not really ever bothering to apply mental focus and learning advanced concepts.  (there are people that call themselves pro's that fit this definition)  A person like this could spend 10,000 hours at the table and not even come close to being a bona-fide expert.  Concersely, a studious individual with a deep desire and some raw talent, can quickly become an expert.  If he/she spends a mixture of time studying and practicing, and has the mental ability to transfer the lessons learned into applicable game tactics/strategies.

So my point I guess it is depends a little on your natural abilities, your desire to become a true expert, and what you actually spent that 10,000 hours doing.

Regardless, I highly recommend these books.

Can't argue with that one.