12 Mar 2026
1h 7m

Annie Duke on Thinking in Bets - And Why Winners Can Be Wrong

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The discussion centers on defining a "good bet" as a decision made under uncertainty with positive expectancy, irrespective of the outcome. Annie Duke argues every decision involves forecasting and investing limited resources into a range of possibilities. Duke emphasizes that great risk-takers embrace uncertainty and are not overly concerned with short-term results, which can be heavily influenced by luck. She advocates for explicit calculation of expected value, considering utility beyond just monetary gain, and using tools like premortems and mental time travel to improve decision-making. Intuition should be examined critically to identify potential missed information or biases. Ultimately, embracing uncertainty leads to better emotional regulation, increased agency, and a more successful and happier life.

Outlines

Part 1: Defining Bets and Uncertainty

Part 2: Process vs. Outcome

Part 3: Methods of Calculation

Part 4: Psychology and Intuition

Part 5: Education and Mindset

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