Lucky by Design

“Lucky by Design is that rarest of things: an economics PAGE-TURNER.”–Lin-Manuel Miranda“A crash course in how invisible markets really work. Judd Kessler demystifies the hidden forces behind everything from college admissions decisions to Taylor Swift ticket prices. If you’ve ever wanted a better understanding of economics–or loved Freakonomics–his book is full of surprising and practical insights about making your own luck.”–Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast Re: Thinking“Charmingly written and chock full of intriguing suggestions that might never have crossed your mind, this truly fun read helps you better understand–and navigate–the hidden markets in your life, from the school yard to the doctor’s office to the next concert ticket you aim to snag.”–Amy Finkelstein, Professor of Economics at MIT and author of We’ve Got You Covered“In a world where so much seems to come down to luck, Judd Kessler reveals that there’s more order – and more opportunity – than we think. With wit, wisdom, and science, Kessler gives you the tools you need to succeed when resources are scarce and to avoid unnecessary conflict.”–Katy Milkman, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of How to Change.“Getting “impossible” to get concert tickets, school admissions, restaurant reservations–these aren’t games of chance. They’re games of skill. And most people don’t even know they’re playing. In Lucky by Design, Kessler reveals the hidden rules of the game, and arms you with the strategies you need to win them.“–Annie Duke, former professional poker player and bestselling author of Thinking in Bets“Judd Kessler expertly explains how to recognize and navigate the many hidden markets that determine what you get and why, delivering actionable advice from the still-emerging field of market design.”–Alvin E. Roth, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics and author of Who Gets What – and Why“Who knew cutting-edge economics could be so fun – and so useful? Witty and entertaining, Lucky by Design is essential reading before your next job hunt, school application, or even dinner reservation.”–Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, economist and New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Lies

Judd B. Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2021, Kessler was awarded the prestigious Vernon L. Smith Ascending Scholar Prize for his path breaking scholarship. For his work on organ allocation, Kessler was named one of the “30 under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. He is an award-winning teacher whose courses are popular among undergraduates, MBAs, PhD students, and executives, as well as a sought-after speaker. His research and writing have been featured in leading media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Harvard Business Review, Politico, NPR, Hidden Brain, and Freakonomics, among others. He received a bachelor’s degree, MA, and PhD from Harvard University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. At Harvard, Kessler trained with Nobel laureate Alvin E. Roth, one of the founders of market design, the area in which he has been conducting research for the past fifteen years.

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