Reviews (151)

AMAZING BOOK!
I have read this book multiple times and it has increased my poker skills in house games with my friends significantly! It lets you in on all the basics and ends with advanced strategies. Overall a great book! [...] I recommend to everyone!

Top Notch Hold Em Book. Lot of bang for your buck
I highly recomend this book. After finishing it I decided to give it a try in online poker. I entered a tournament with 662 people. Early in the tournament I took the chip lead and made it all the way to the final table with the chip lead. All in all I finished third. Not too bad considering I'm a very inexperienced player.
these 3 volumes will pay for themselves
i've never played a deep stack tournament before.
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Subjects:  1. Card Games - Poker    2. Gambling - Card Games    3. Games    4. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    5. Games/Puzzles    6. Poker   

Reviews (26)

Question
All the poker pros write books, they don't read them.Play poker, develop your own style.

Great Book, w/room for minor improvements.
I own the previous 2 Harrington Volumes along with this and had read and enjoyed them thoroughly. Improved my game immensly.
Great Companion To Harrington I& II
Harrington on Hold 'em Volume III: The Workbook is a wonderful companion book to the 2 prior classics written by "Action" Dan.Providing 50 examples of real hands played by pros and online tournaments and sit n' gos, this book takes everything that you should have learned in the other 2 books and sees how well you have understood and applied the material that he has taught.The writing is just as smooth and easy to follow as in the precursor gems, quality being of the utmost concern.
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Reviews (51)

A Must Have
This will take your no limit tournament game to a new level!I would recommed to anyone who plays NLH tournaments.

Gook NLHE Book
This book describes Harrington's NLHE tournament play.While his explainations are easy to understand, I found his style hard to play in real life.All the tips and a pro's insight make this book a worthwhile buy.

The "Bible" for tournaments
"Action" Dan may not have won WSOP titles lately, but he seems to hit a lot of final tables. Clearly his tight aggressive style, documented in this (and the prequel) book is a good reason why.
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Reviews (48)

Better left unpublished
Doyles section is basically the same and is why it got 2 stars in the first place. I feel the poker pros were not used properly for this book. Daniel negranu is a coward fordoing three card draw that has no merit on real card tables and he should of just declined it in the first place,he is a no limit and omaha 8 or better expert and should of wrote on that instead. Bobby baldwin was the most sound poker player during his time, kind of like alan cunningham of today. So I dont know why he didnt write the limit chapter again,I think modern day limit players would have really been in for a treat. I have nothing against jeniffer harmen writing it but I think it was better served for baldwin. Please save your money and dont buy this book. If need be they should have it at your local library.

Good introduction to different poker games.
I haven't read the original Super System so I can't compare the two and tell you if this one is worth buying if you already have that one, so I'll just stick to reviewing "Super System 2".
Not really "essential" like the first , but still a good idea to get it
This belongs in any poker library, just not on the top shelf. It's a hyped-up "good" book, but not a "great" book like the first Super System.
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Subjects:  1. Card Games - Poker    2. Gambling - Card Games    3. Games    4. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    5. Games/Puzzles    6. Poker    7. Card games    8. Games / Gambling / Card Games   

Reviews (26)

One of the best..
Will probably be heavy going for the beginner but for someone who has been playing a year or two and wants to take their game to the next level it is a must read.

Just OK
I guess I expected more from this book. It covers a lot of material others have covered, as well. The few items I found useful were reinforcements of my own experience. Lots of expected value calculations based on useless assumptions, particularly if you primarily play tournaments. Harrington's books were MUCH more useful.

A must-read for the no-limit player
This book is excellent. I should note that it is highly conceptual. Rather than offering "starting hand charts" or a detailed analysis of how to play different hands, it discusses the things a player should think about at a no-limit table. That being said, I do think the "Concepts" portion of the book offer an excellent bridge from the theory to the practical. As another reviewer wrote, some people may want to start with the Concepts portion and then later read the more theoretical portions of the book. It depends upon your own learning style. Of particular interest... the book again and again highlights the differences between limit vs. no-limit play. As an example, blind stealing is very important in limit play, but not as important in no limit when there are deep stacks still uncommitted. For anyone making a transistion from limit to no-limit, you absolutely must read this book to understand the subtle differences between the two games. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Card Games - Poker    2. Gambling - General    3. Gambling - Table    4. Games    5. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    6. Games/Puzzles    7. Poker   

Reviews (340)

Superb Read
This true story really takes you into the hair raising lifestyle of Vegas, and then propels you into the blackjack world and the realities of getting caught at counting cards.Hell of a read, makes me want to learn to count cards.

Novel-like
Bringing Down the House tells the story of Kevin Lewis and his teammates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who formed a team to win millions from Las Vegas by counting cards at blackjack.The story focuses on "Lewis" and chronicles how he is brought into the group and becomes entranced by the excitement and the money.
Bringing Down the House
When I read a half of the book, I can imagine the rest half.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Boston    4. Cardsharping    5. Gamblers    6. Gambling    7. Gambling - General    8. Gambling - Table    9. Games    10. Games/Puzzles    11. Indoor Games    12. Las Vegas    13. Massachusetts    14. Nevada    15. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    16. Personal Memoirs    17. Games / General   

Reviews (59)

Expert Advice for the Little Guys
Contrary to popular belief, most Hold'Em poker is not played for high stakes.In addition, most Hold'Em poker is not played in a tournament style.Indeed, quite a lot of Hold'Em poker is played for small stakes, such as $2-$4, $3-$6, and $4-$8--and this is exactly the type of poker for which this book provides expert advice.
The very best.
This is BY FAR the best book on limit hold 'em available. If you could only read one hold 'em poker book in your life then this truly would be all you need. Everything, and I mean everything is covered in this book. I can honestly say that this is the book that turned my game around and made me a winning player after I was badly mislead in my introduction to hold 'em by reading the IDIOCY of Phil Hellmuth. (Yeah, raise four or five players on a flop of AK9 with pocket sevens to "see where you're at").
My Favorite Book In My Collection So Far
I live not too far from Atlantic City.I was playing limit hold 'em online for quite awhile before I made the jump to playing live.If you want to not only survive playing the smaller stakes, but consistently win, you need to read and apply the information in this book.I have a friend who plays a much higher limit than me, and the strategies are NOT the same.This book targets the games where you have multiple people limping in to see the flop (6-8 people on average).Not a higher stakes game where most people will raise to come in, or fold.The same concepts work for loose passive games online also.Sklansky also covers what to do if things do tighten up a bit (4-6 on average to the flop).If you're starting at the smaller stakes games (as you should be), you should definitely read this book.Just stay away from my table afterwards lol. ... Read more

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Reviews (7)

Loved it
This book is a great follow up to Little Green Book.There are 74 hands from real life play that Phil explains in detail so that you can learn while the situation unfolds.I like how Phil reduces the hands to their basic fundamentals and reinforces those key lessons in each hand - I think taking the complexity out of certain situations is key to success in real play, especially when there are so many emotional and maybe physical stresses on a players concentration once they are in the live situation.I have found myself facing many of the same situations that are in this book, and it was insightful and sometimes reassuring to see how a real professional handles the same hand.Overall a great addition to my poker literature.

Great book
A very easy read for those of us that want to learn more about poker but, can't take too much theory.Great format.
Great book from a great teacher
This book is great!
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Subjects:  1. Card Games    2. Card Games - Poker    3. Gambling    4. Games    5. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    6. Games/Puzzles    7. General    8. Poker    9. Games / General   

Reviews (11)

Great Book
Really comprehensive and precise, helped me a lot in my backgammon ( http://www.play65.com/index.html?did=13870&tag1=11 ) game. if you want to know a thing or two about the game - give this backgammon book a try!

Clear and comprehensive, with lots of positions
A great starting point for someone who wants to become a good Backgammon player.While the book is long, it doesn't drag, and the material is well presented.

Brilliant in its day but that day has passed
This book is amazingly clear and well written but several positions are wrong. As are 2 whole chapters. Get 'Backgammon Bootcamp' by Walter Trice for an excellent accurate book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backgammon    2. Gambling - Table    3. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    4. Games/Puzzles    5. Performing arts   

Reviews (81)

Better applied for limit
This books stradegy should be used strictly for limit because the stradegies gordon uses will get you in trouble in no limit and save you chips in limit. If your looking to improve your game in no limit holdem, there is many books that will help you. Evan beginners should go a different route. Phil Gordon appears to be a nice human being and all and he writes good literature but thats all it is.

An Excellent Distillation.
Having generally gone through Phil Gordons' little book, I wholeheartedly recommend it as a necessary item for anyone's poker library.
Great..
Essential reading for the beginner.. interesting for the intermediate - and lots of fun for anyone else.
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Subjects:  1. Card Games    2. Card Games - Poker    3. Games    4. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    5. Games/Puzzles    6. General    7. Poker    8. Games / General   

Reviews (67)

Actually manages to take the fun out of reading and texas holdem all in one go
I was hoping the book would be good.most reviews are.However the topics are not really covered at all, more introduced.It was like talking to a drunk bloke about sports, most points are important and relevant but its presented in a way that makes it confusing.They openly admit they dont want the book to be rated on the quality of the english.Just as well, long rambling thaughts that don't form conclusions.Not what I wanted or needed.It actually manages to take the fun out of reading and texas holdem all in one go.

Not A Light Read
This is not a book to read while drinking a beer and watching the ballgame on TV. Like most Sklansky books, it's packed with information delivered in a dry, straightforward style reminicsent of college math or engineering texts. The ideas, while often subtle, are very powerful if the reader will take the time to read, re-read, and probe them in poker games and out.
Difficult
I've read (or tried to read) this book three times over the course of several months.I am displeased on several levels.I want to let people know other books are far better.
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Reviews (19)

great book with new ideas
Very original with more incites than any other book about online poker.There is no guarantees with poker as you may know, and even less of a guarantee with online poker. But there are new straties and ideas to consider in this book. If you can still play online poker i strongly recommened this book

Packed with good tips
I give this book a thumbs up.I enjoy reading poker books, but many of them have the same advice.I found this book to have plenty of new, exciting strategies and tips.

OK for the absolute beginner.
Not much in there for anyone who has already migrated from the basics. ... Read more

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Reviews (65)

Glitz and Glamour in Vegas.
If you can get past Barry Greensteins' peculiar writing style, then the depth of the fabulous life in Vegas will be yours.
Thin on poker
The book does have a few good examples and gives insight into thephilosophy and life of Mr. Greenstein.This gives nice insight into the world of professional poker.The book does not spend a lot of time on the specifics of thinking yourself through situations.

Insightful and articualate
I can't believe the reviews that pan this wonderful book. Barry gives us some hands to ponder the math and much much more. In addition on his website he includeds some information that was cut from the Book. I advise anyone who is seriously considering the life of a poker professional to read and take heed to this book. I found the book very informative about the world inside the ring. I think its a must read for anyone who has advanced beyond the level of maniac. There is no magic system, no holy grail and no greatest poker player. On any given day you could be the greatest player or a donk. Experienced players know the pot odds and the theory. This book provides good info and great advice. ... Read more

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Reviews (5)

casino operations
Good overview of casino operations.It covers Indian gaming as well as Nevada and mentions where there are difference.I am the controller and I wish it had more accounting /finance.

Excelent operations overview
This book is a must read for everyone entering the casino business. It's a clear reference, and it shows derails some myths about gaming operations.

Great read
This books assumes you know nothing about Gaming Operations and goes from there, taking you on an in-depth exploration of the gaming industry, from it's beginnings through modern-day operations.This book was highly beneficial.I also read "The Gaming Industry: Introduction and Perspectives" from the UNLV International Gaming Institute, both of which I would strongly recommend.Well written and dives to the appropriate level of detail. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Casinos    5. Gambling - General    6. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    7. Management    8. Business & Economics / Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    9. Gambling    10. Management & management techniques    11. Sport & leisure industries   

Reviews (4)

Everybody Respects Matthew.
At least all the players I know do. Matthew Hilger, as both a player and author, has been greatly admired since his very clear and excellently organized, Internet Texas Hold'em, came out in 2003. He also has a website that's very popular with a forum discussing all kinds of issues which arise in poker, gaming, and life. With this book on Odds and Probabilities, he has added to his stature as an advisor because he expands his focus by addressing limit hold'em, no limit hold'em cash games, and no limit hold'em tournaments. He actually fills in nicely for the (very few) areas King Yao does not cover in his book. Hilger's approach is ideal for beginners because he not only explains pot odds, implied pot odds, and effective implied pot odds, but also rudimentary concepts such as adding and multiplying fractions along with probability. These are the types of questions that many newbies swept into games by the poker popularity explosion may be too embarrassed to ask on their own. Hilger made a good decision by sticking with the same type of organization he had in his first book. Every idea is followed up with sections called Test Your Skills and Chapter Review. Most players, I have found, really improve by studying expert hand analysis which is something Hilger performs many times throughout these pages. Although for me, my favorite section was the one concerning probability of winning with particular hands. Overall, Odds and Probabilities was invaluable.

Finally I understand the math side of the game
I have been playing for a couple of years, managing small profits in NL cash games and sit-n-gos.I've read several books and understand the basics of pot odds and implied pot odds - but this book takes my understanding to a new level.In sit-n-gos, I found that i was folding way too often when short stacks went all-in.This book explains the process in analyzing these types of situations in detail.It also explains how to go about determining how much to bet to protect your hand - a concept which I really only applied by feel before reading this book.The title of the book makes it sound like you are in for a calculus class, but that is the opposite of what the book is about.Yes, you math guys will get plenty of explanations for how the calculations are done, but the real emphasis is on how odds affect strategy which is really all I was wanting.Finally, the charts rock!One chart showed the probability of a raiser holding a pocket pair which i didn't even know could be calculated.I see the light!excellent book!

Good as strategy book, poor on math
I gave it 2 out of 5 because the math is poorly explained and organized. And the applied probabilities do not cover all important gaming situations. Nice charts, but a lot of websites post them. I was expecting a more rigorous approach of Hold'em math and a larger coverage. I found Petriv's and Barboianu's books on this subject far superior on these counts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Card Games - Poker    2. Gambling - General    3. Games    4. Games/Puzzles    5. Recreations & Games   

Features

• Box set

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Editorial Review

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Reviews (27)

Just be sure you know the keywords of the book: It's about the UNTOLD STORY, not FORMULA or SCIENTIFIC.
I found it very difficult to comment on this book. I can see different people with different expectations will have very different comments.
interesting but rambling read
the author ties together a number of disparate stories but the key takeaway from a practical perspective was: manage risk and do your homework.

The Ongoing Epic of the Kelly Criterion for Risk Management.
"Fortune's Formula" tells the story of the Kelly Criterion -through the experiments, ideas, wins, and losses of those who have espoused it and who have derided it, at race tracks, black jack tables, sports books, and, finally, on Wall Street. The Kelly Criterion is a risk management formula published in 1956 by Bell Labs information theorist John Kelly, Jr. that dictates how much of your bankroll you should bet based on your edge divided by the odds so that you will have zero risk of ruin no matter how bad your luck is, while increasing wealth faster than any other betting system. It does not address what bets you should make, which is another matter entirely. Instead of writing a simple analysis of the Kelly Criterion, author William Poundstone brings this story alive by relating the histories of key figures who have used, promoted, or criticized the Kelly Criterion: information theorists, economists, traders, gamblers, and gangsters. Some readers may find this approach unfocused and unnecessary. But I think the personalities lend "Fortune's Formula" an epic quality and place the Kelly Criterion firmly in the context of real life, with real consequences, as opposed to the realm of abstruse theories that never leave the halls of academe.
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Subjects:  1. 1916-    2. Business/Economics    3. Gambling    4. Gambling - General    5. Games    6. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    7. Games/Puzzles    8. History    9. Investments & Securities - General    10. Investments & Securities - Stocks    11. Mathematical models    12. Personal Finance    13. Shannon, Claude Elwood,    14. Business & Economics / Investments & Securities   

Reviews (11)

east to understand
this book is like no other 2+2 book~ its well edited.
Typical 2+2 book: thought-provoking, but a little short on hard data
I originally bought this 'cause I've been playing seven-card stud and was curious about Stud/8, but reading the Omaha/8 sectionmotivated me into learning it first.
Necessary Reading for all good O8 players
This is the book which has been read by all the Pros. If you do not read it you are at a major disadvantage. In fact at the higher limits its impossible to play well without reading the section on starting hands.
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Subjects:  1. Gambling - Card Games    2. Games    3. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    4. Games/Puzzles    5. General    6. Card Games    7. Gambling    8. Poker   

Subjects:  1. Card Games - Poker    2. Gambling - Card Games    3. Games    4. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    5. Games/Puzzles    6. Card games