Mathematicians Take On Luck

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/mathematicians-take-on-luck-930/

by quizbiz • 16 years ago

15 7 16 years ago

blogs.wsj.com

hvs• 16 years ago

Hrm. I was kind of hoping that they were going to say that there is some heretofore unknown statistical significance in luck (maybe like the law of large numbers or something along those lines). But they say what you would expect them to say: mathematicians don't believe in luck.

jayruy2• 16 years ago

Agreed. Also - surprising they mentioned blackjack - can't you turn the odds in your favor with card counting and rational betting?

watty2• 16 years ago

You can with card counting (and you'll get kicked out). Even with perfect rational betting the house has the edge.

watty2• 16 years ago

I made my first trip to vegas and was disappointed that I didn't have nearly as much fun as my superstitious friend who believed he figured out how to beat roulette. I really tried to explain him how the odds work and how each roll was completely random... he won much more money than me

DanielBMarkham• 16 years ago

Confession time: I have "lucky" numbers on the gas pump that I am willing to stop at, and ones I refuse to, even if it means spilling gas on the ground.

Mathematicians Take On Luck

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