My latest Two Plus Two article, Lessons From the Felt, is a deviation from the norm. Instead of explaining something to do with poker strategy, I talk about some things I learned from poker that helped me in the difficult task of finding an apartment in San Francisco:
When an apartment comes on the market, the owner or realtor usually hosts an open house, and attending is generally your only shot at securing that apartment. Even if you decide immediately that you like a place and hand over a check, credit report, and application on the spot, you end up in a pile with several others, only one of whom will be chosen. There’s no question of visiting several apartments, considering multiple options, and then choosing your favorite. In all likelihood, your favorite was snatched up before you got to your next open house.
The upshot of all of this is that Emily and I were forced to make a high-stakes decision quickly, under pressure, and with incomplete information.
If you find yourself in Berkeley stop by Lanesplitter Pizza and I’ll treat you to delicious beer and pizza. Welcome to the Bay Area!
Oooh, I’m likely to take you up on that, thanks!
Ask for Joshua and I’ll take care of ya! Least I can do for all the great writing and podcasts you’ve shared with me.
Disappointed that you didn’t mention artificial (regulatory) scarcity in your introduction to why housing in SF is so hard to find. Don’t think this will be lost on our listenership!
I almost commented on the same thing, but decided it was just my own bias.
AB, I liked it. I play poker to get better at life decisions. I think that aspect of the game cannot be overemphasized, especially given the current regulatory environment.
Congrats on your new digs!
You’re *this* much closer to Macau. When are you gonna make that short flight over?
how short is that flight btw? asking for a friend
About 14 hours direct (SF to HK), but that only includes flight time.
As soon as you get off the plane, you can walk to a ferry to take you to Macau for about 20 dollars. The ferry lasts about 45 minutes, and is very pleasant in the right conditions but literally sickening if the weather is stormy. At the ferry terminal, you are welcomed in Portuguese, Chinese and English. After getting your passport stamped, you can take a free, comfortable shuttle to any casino you like. Play tight and wait for a whale to surface!