One of three books Chamath Palihapitiya tells new graduates to read.
"The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King" by Michael Craig is an exhilarating true story that delves into the fascinating world of high-stakes poker. In this gripping tale, Craig takes readers on a thrilling journey through the minds of extraordinary individuals.
The story centers around a legendary weekly poker game known as the Big Game, hosted at the famous Bellagio casino in Las Vegas. A group of elite poker players, including a college professor and a wealthy banker, gather to compete against some of the world's best in the highest-stakes poker games ever played.
At the heart of the tale lies the enigmatic figure known as the Suicide King, a mysterious and reclusive billionaire who joins the Big Game, seeking the ultimate challenge. As the stakes rise to astronomical amounts, tensions soar, and the professional poker players must confront their skills, strategies, and psychological stamina to take on this formidable opponent.
This true story unfolds with captivating detail, showcasing the intense highs and lows experienced by the players, the psychological battles fought at the poker table, and the extraordinary sums of money exchanged in a single hand. With each page, Craig provides readers with a glimpse into the world of high-stakes poker, revealing both the glamour and the dark underbelly of this captivating universe.
"The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King" is a masterfully-written narrative that combines the thrill of a high-stakes poker game with insightful observations on human nature, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. It is an unputdownable read that will leave readers amazed by the lengths individuals will go to achieve their goals and the intellectual prowess required to succeed in the world of professional poker.