A mathematical approach known as ‘true score theory’ can assess the contribution of luck to a team’s overall success.
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With low-scoring games and a preponderance of deflected shots, randomness is much more likely to color NHL teams’ records than those of squads in the other four major US pro sports leagues.
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Holi is a symbolic celebration of spring, the harvest, new life and the triumph of good over evil.
‘Lucky girl syndrome’ is similar to the ‘law of attraction’.
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‘Lucky girl syndrome’ focuses on using positive affirmations to achieve material benefit.
Lucky charms help us feel safer in an uncertain world.
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An anthropologist explains why we all have some irrational beliefs and the reason they give us comfort.
Many elevators do not have a floor numbered 13 because of common superstitions about the number.
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A sociologist unpacks how common superstitions like fear of 13 can gain steam.
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Russia’s commissioner for entrepreneurs’ rights during a meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow on May 26, 2022.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine calls for drawing a line between power and luck. Putin, who was widely considered among the most powerful people in the world, may have been simply lucky.
Kevin Durant is one of the NBA players who shows the ability to go on hot streaks.
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A study shows that a select group of NBA players really do go on hot streaks by making more shots in a row than statistics suggest they should.
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Ignore business books which promise to reveal the secret formula of success – usually it’s down to luck.
Knocking on wood may be a holdover from the pagan days of Europe, when tree spirits were believed to bring luck.
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The curious history of a ritual meant to ward off bad luck.
How much is success down to skill or just a lucky break?
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Be careful how you reward success. Was it achieved through hard-earned skill or just a lucky break?
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Superstition holds that Friday 13th is the day to stay in bed and avoid taking risks. But it’s all in our heads.
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There’s a surprising amount in common between ancient ways of thinking about the future and the techniques we use now.
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A new report confirms how the rich become deluded about their talents, but also hints at a growing acknowledgement of inequality.
The Powerball prize got so big that it wouldn’t fit on some signs – and it keeps growing.
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At first glance, US$1.5 billion seems like a lot of money. But that’s before taxes and a tendency for winners to spend it unwisely.
Chance or skill?
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New research reveals the relationship between luck and skill in winning at poker.
When it comes to being “fortunate”, context is king.
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Some people seem born lucky. Everything they touch turns to gold. Others are dogged by misfortune. It’s not just people who might be lucky or unlucky – it can be single acts. When the ball hits a post…