Poker isn’t just a game—it’s a training ground for thinking clearly in chaotic situations. In the latest episode of The Real Poker Girls of London, science writer and competitive poker player Alex O’Brien sits down with host Kerryjane Craigie (KJ) and Lydia Cugudda to unpack how poker and science intersect in surprising ways.

“Where do science and poker meet?”
KJ asks.
Alex answers with clarity and conviction.

From emotional control to probability theory, poker teaches us to assess risk, manage uncertainty, and stay sharp under pressure. These are the same skills science demands. And yet, poker still fights for legitimacy in mainstream spaces.

Although poker requires deep skill and psychological discipline, it’s still not widely accepted as intellectually valuable in the mainstream. It’s often dismissed as mere gambling.

Alex O’Brien is part of a growing group of thinkers pushing back. Through her writing and media appearances, she’s redefining how people perceive poker as a game of skill, strategy, and scientific thinking.

Alex recently re-released her acclaimed book with a brand-new paperback cover to reach beyond the poker community and appeal to more general readers.
The Truth Detective: A Poker Player’s Guide to a Complex World explores complex topics like misinformation, risk, and cognitive bias through the lens of poker. The new cover is designed to feel more accessible to readers unfamiliar with the game, making it easier for people outside the poker world to engage with the ideas inside.

🛒 Available now at:

•   Barnes & Noble
•   Amazon

Alex O’Brien is more than a poker player—she’s a respected science journalist with work featured in:

•   The Guardian
•   BBC
•   New Scientist
•   The Times

She also serves as vice-chair of the Association of British Science Writers, the UK Young Science Writer Award, which encourages state school students to explore STEM through storytelling.

O’Brien’s passion for storytelling continues in her children’s books. Her novels, The Playmaker and The Comeback, follow Zoey, a small-town girl finding her place on a competitive hockey team in the city.

These middle-grade books tackle themes of:

•   Confidence and identity
•   Imposter syndrome
•   Sportsmanship and resilience

They’re perfect for young readers, especially those navigating new challenges or competitive environments.

Alex O’Brien teaches people how to think more clearly, from poker tables to classrooms. Her blend of science, strategy, and storytelling makes critical thinking accessible and engaging.

Whether you’re a poker pro, a student, or someone trying to make better decisions in daily life, O’Brien’s message is the same: learn to think like a detective, and the world starts to make more sense.

🎧 Listen to Alex on The Real Poker Girls of  London

The Real Poker Girls Of London Podcast

Your fave Real Poker Girls of London, host Kerryjane Craigie and Lydia Cugudda are officially on YouTube! Catch the latest tea, laughs, and poker vibes with special guest Author Alexandra O’Brien. We’re serving looks, smarts, and serious game—so hit that subscribe.