Podcast Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Karol Markowicz Show: The Art of Being an Advantage Player with Michael Kaplan
Host: Carol Markowitz
Guest: Michael Kaplan
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Introduction: Meeting Michael Kaplan
The episode opens with host Carol Markowitz welcoming Michael Kaplan, an esteemed author and journalist. Michael is introduced as the author of the forthcoming book, Advantage Players, which delves into the lives of individuals who excel in gambling and extend their expertise beyond the casino floor. With an impressive portfolio, including senior features writing at the New York Post and contributions to publications like the New York Times Magazine, GQ, and Wired, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the conversation.
Quote:
Carol Markowitz [03:18]: "My guest today is Michael Kaplan. Michael is the author of the new book Advantage Players, which takes a look at people who are in gambling and beyond."
The Connection: Poker and Friendship
Carol and Michael share a personal connection rooted in their shared passion for poker. They reminisce about their long-standing friendship, cemented through regular poker games in New York City, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines their relationship.
Quote:
Carol Markowitz [03:53]: "We met playing poker and knew each other for years because of a long-running poker game in New York City."
Defining Advantage Players
Michael elaborates on the concept of an "advantage player," extending it beyond the realm of gambling. He defines advantage players as individuals who work exceptionally hard, are devoted to their craft, and possess the ingenuity to find unique strategies and techniques that give them an edge in various fields. This mindset is not confined to casinos but is applicable to professions like law, magic, filmmaking, and more.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [05:35]: "I think they're people who work really, really hard... and come up with special ways of doing it."
Notable Profiles: From Personal Battles to Casino Genius
Michael shares compelling stories of individuals featured in his book:
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Personal Triumph: Michael opens up about his battle with mantle cell lymphoma, detailing his diagnosis and the unconventional treatment he pursued. This personal narrative underscores his resilience and strategic thinking, qualities emblematic of an advantage player.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [07:26]: "I was about to get brutal chemotherapy and I found a treatment... And as of August, I've had 0% cancer in my blood." -
Casino Savant: He introduces James Gross Jeannie, a genius at dismantling casino games. With an applied math degree from Harvard, Jeannie and his team have successfully outmaneuvered casinos, exploiting overlooked aspects of game design to secure significant winnings.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [08:42]: "He understands the game better than the guys who created the game, which is pretty amazing."
Traits of Advantage Players
The conversation delves into the defining traits that make someone an advantage player:
- Hard Work and Dedication: A relentless commitment to mastering their field.
- Creativity and Ingenuity: The ability to think outside the box and develop unique strategies.
- Confidence and Resilience: Maintaining belief in their methods despite challenges and setbacks.
- Obsessiveness and Focus: An unwavering focus on their goals, often going to great lengths to achieve them.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [29:15]: "The drive, like this drive and never, never giving up and, like, just doing it."
Personal Anecdotes: Betting for Heidi Fleiss
Michael recounts a memorable story from his poker and gambling days involving Heidi Fleiss, the infamous Hollywood madam. When Heidi reached her betting limit at casinos, Michael took it upon himself to place bets on her behalf. Although she lost the bet he made for her, the experience highlighted Michael's dedication and willingness to support his friends, embodying the essence of an advantage player.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [11:45]: "And she lost the bet. She lost the bet... She didn't care. I felt bad."
Advantage Player Mindset in Life and Parenting
Michael reflects on how the advantage player mindset extends beyond gambling into everyday life and parenting. He emphasizes teaching his children to seek out positive expected value (EV) in every decision, encouraging them to find more efficient and rewarding ways to approach tasks and opportunities.
Advice to Children:
"Show them things and say, listen, there's a better way to do every single thing... Encourage your kids to see where expected value is."
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [09:15]: "I would turn my kids into mini advantage players. I think I would just show them a way to look at the world a little bit differently."
Developing the Advantage Player Trait
When questioned whether being an advantage player is innate or learned, Michael asserts that while some individuals may have a natural knack, the traits can certainly be developed through hard work, relentless pursuit of improvement, and a strategic mindset.
Quote:
Michael Kaplan [31:41]: "I think anybody could make themselves an advantage player at something... It’s the advantage player mindset."
Comparisons with Poker: Seeking Beatable Games
Carol draws parallels between the advantage player mindset and their shared poker experiences, emphasizing the importance of finding winnable opportunities rather than always aiming for the most comfortable or high-stakes environments.
Quote:
Carol Markowitz [33:16]: "Maybe I've been looking for the cushy chairs and missing the places where winning is easier."
Final Insights: Maximizing Life Through Advantage Play
As the conversation wraps up, Michael offers his best tip for listeners: embrace diverse experiences, be open to learning, and nurture empathy. He advocates for maximizing life's opportunities by seeking out new experiences, continuous learning, and fostering positive relationships.
Conclusion Quote:
Michael Kaplan [36:08]: "Take trips to as exotic a place as you could find... Listen to a lot of music, read a lot, just enjoy life and be nice."
Closing Remarks
Carol Markowitz concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Michael Kaplan's book, Advantage Players, available wherever books are sold. She praises the book's innovative concept and expresses excitement for its potential to inspire a broader audience.
Quote:
Carol Markowitz [36:28]: "Also, he is Michael Kaplan. Check out his book, Advantage Players, anywhere books are sold."
Key Takeaways
- Advantage Player Mindset: A strategic approach to finding and maximizing edges in various aspects of life.
- Traits of Success: Hard work, creativity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
- Application Beyond Gambling: The principles of advantage play can enhance personal growth, professional endeavors, and parenting.
- Inspiration and Philosophy: Embracing diverse experiences and fostering empathy can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
Michael Kaplan's insights provide a compelling look into how the advantage player mindset can be a powerful tool for achieving success and fulfillment beyond the gambling table.