" I’ve been studying, playing, living, breathing poker for eight to nine hours a day. Every day! When I’m between events and in New York, I’m reading, watching videos or live-streaming very good players. "
- Maria Konnikova

The quote illustrates a profound dedication to mastering the game of poker. It describes an intense commitment where the speaker spends extended periods each day, sometimes up to nine hours, either studying, playing, or simply thinking about poker. This level of immersion implies that poker has become an integral part of their daily routine and lifestyle.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote encapsulates the concept of relentless pursuit in honing one's skills through extensive practice and continuous learning. It highlights the importance of a growth mindset where individuals are willing to invest substantial time and effort into refining their abilities. The speaker not only engages in practical play but also consumes various forms of poker content such as books, videos, and live streams from expert players, demonstrating that mastery comes from both hands-on experience and intellectual engagement.

Maria Konnikova is a renowned Russian-American psychologist, writer, and professional poker player known for her insightful articles on human psychology applied to various fields like law enforcement and poker. Her work often delves into the cognitive processes involved in decision-making and strategy, making her an authoritative voice when discussing the mental aspects of competitive games such as poker.