5 comments about Break the One-Armed Bandits.

1. I laughed so hard at certain chapters in this book that my sides hurt. I also learned a great deal about how the slots work and their history. There are some excellent strategies in this book as well. Definitely a book worth buying.



2. I have read just about every book on slots but I resisted buying this one because I thought the information would be old and stale. Now having read it I have to agree with other reviewers that just about all slot books "borrow" heavily from Scoblete's work and are nowhere near as comprehensive. The book is a masterpiece of research and it is well written and extremely fun to read. I recommend this as the first and only slot stop you'll need before you try your hand at the one-armed bandits.



3. I am not crazy about playing slots--but to get free room at the Venetian (LV) I need to put in hours each day, each visit. The Scoblete book is the most informative overall I've read so far on a subject where random chance is the rule. The chapter about which slots are loose was probably good advice--but people don't hear coins falling into the hopper any more--coins have been replaced with paper receipts. Paper payoffs also skew the advice in that excellent chapter on money management. These days most people deposit bills, not coins, into the slot machine and there is no bucket of coins to use or to reserve. Mr. Scoblete needs to revise this book. If he still gambles, I'm sure his well-thought 1994 guidelines would benefit from updating. I would be first on line to buy the new book. The organization and research of "One-Armed Bandit" are outstanding.



4. I found this to be extremely interesting reading, as well as entertaining and informative. I don't think any of the tips and tricks in ANY slot machine book will apply at "Indian Reservation" casinos, but this book is a must read for any fan of Jersey, Vegas, Mississippi, or other non-reservation casinos.



5. I bought this book few days ago. I finished reading in a day. This book spent most of the time telling stories about gamblers but not the method to win a jackpot. The author does not have much experience in playing jackpot machine, he merely did some interview with real gamblers and casino employee. There is no pictures, no facts or figure to illustrate. In my opinion, It can only be consider as a easy to read book on jackpot. Do not expect to win anything after reading it.

5 comments about Macromedia Flash Professional 8 Game Development.

1. As a physicist, I looked at the chapter on "Physics for Games". It's very introductory Newtonian mechanics. Applying these in time-discrete form for moving objects in the game. Gravity is considered for vertical motion, and wind is incorporated to affect horizontal motion. Freshman level stuff. If you are developing a game where you need to seriously incorporate physics, there are entire books devoted to it, like Physics for Game Developers.
   
   Though to be fair, the book is about learning Flash and its effects. Other chapters offer code fragments. Of necessity, these are all elementary, from a programming complexity standpoint. But they help explain how to apply Flash.
   
   The most intricate part of the book seems to be when you model a 3d world. Nice rendering examples. Doesn't go very deeply here. Flash almost certainly has more advanced functionality.



2. I found the book easy to read and very practical. The use of examples to explain things is great. And of course, examples that do work is great also!!!
   
   It's the right book for those that already know something about flash and actionscript (doesn't need to be an expert), and want to learn to develop some games in flash, and perhaps aplly those technics on other apllications.
   
   The book is great fun!!!



3. The book provides several examples that progress the reader through the programming of gradually more complex games. The reader should have a basic knowledge of Flash and Actionscript, as the book brushes over beginner-level concepts. At the time, the book is fairly up to date, however there is supposedly quite a jump between Flash 8 and Flash CS3, which uses Actionscript 3.0. Nonetheless, the concepts taught in the book are universally applicable regardless of what Flash version you are using. The inclusion of a CD-ROM is an added bonus and a must with this kind of book.



4. I bought this book hoping to take steps from mid-level ActionScripter to a more advanced coder. In a world of how-to books that just regurgitate the same ol' techniques this one not only met, but it exceeded my expectations. I was hoping to improve my techniques for interactivity and thought a book on ActionScript gaming would be the quickest, most thorough and most fun way to do it and this book came through big time. Great examples, and good explanations of every step taken. Sometimes I needed more of an explanation but I think that's a trade-off of having more examples. So not really a complaint since I can find explanations online, but good examples are far more scarce. An absolute must-have...as someone said even if you are not into gaming. I'll also add that its still a must-have despite ActionScript 3 being out...but hopefully they put out a new edition covering that.
   
   To respond to the negative reviews: 1. Want to see classes and OOP...that would be an issue if this book claimed to be an AS3 book, but considering it is AS2, when OOP and classes weren't as en vogue, I don't think that is a valid complaint. 99% of Flash CS2 books hardly mentioned classes and didnt code that way. 2. Bad habits/naming conventions...I didn't think so but I think that is a preference and if you don't like his "style" no one is forcing you to continue coding that way after you finish the book. Every author has their own style, and I didn't think his coding broke any conventions. 3. Nothing you can't learn yourself...just not true. I've found a lot of great stuff online, but it was a big help and hugely time-saving to have this wealth of info in one place AND with great instruction...and a bonus general ActionScript chapter that is better than many Flash books out there!



5. I enjoyed reading this book a lot compared to the other Flash books I've read. If you are trying to make Flash games and don't know where to start this might be the book you should buy! :)

1 comments about Making Mathematics with Needlework: Ten Papers and Ten Projects.

1. Knowledgeably compiled and deftly co-edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro (Co-Director, Hamshire College Summer Studies in mathematics and Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Smith College) and Carolyn Yackel (Mathematics Instructor, Mercer University), "Making Mathematics With Needlework: Ten Papers And Ten Projects" is unique in that it combines mathematics papers with fiber arts project instructions. Each chapter showcases a particular project and that project features sections on mathematics and mathematics education along with detailed instructions for completing the needlecraft project. The featured projects include a Quilted Mobius Band (making a mobius quilt); Diphantine Equations (making a bi-directional hat); Sierpinski Variatins (making a Sierpinski shawl); a Two Knit Stiches Tours; Symmetry Patterns in Cross-Stitch; Algebraic Structure (making algebraic socks); Fortunatus's Purse; (K)Not Cables and Braids (making a pillow of Braid Equivalence); The Graph Theory of Blackwork Embroidery (embroidering a Holbeinian Graph); and making Hyperbolic Pants. Profusely illustrated, the text is fully accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in needlecraft, in the mathematics underlying needlecraft, as well as having a very special attraction for math students and fiber art enthusiasts alike.

5 comments about Libris Mortis: The Book of the Undead (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying).

1. I would say that this book is greatly overrated.
   
   A lot of the rules laid out are bland or silly-do we really need rules codifying the eating habits of the undead? Further, the majority of the new undead are absurd and the feats have struck me as... lacking.
   
   More time could have been spent on fluff material instead of trying to cram in as much weird new crunch as possible.
   
   That said, some of the prestige classes are fun to use for antagonists. There are undead varients and premade liches that can provide quick adventure material. I wouldn't say I'm sorry I bought this (I got it cheap), but a good half of the book is useless to me unless I want to make use of the gross-out factor mosters.



2. One close look inside this book and you will quicky see that it was written for the Dungeon Master. This does not detract from it's sincere reading enjoyment for everyone. I find the prestige classes offered to be interesting, but mainly for NPC's, the true necromancer was a big disappointment, and has no where near the flavor of the Dread Necromancer presented in Hero's of Horror. Great art thought. I contrary to others am interested in detailed descriptions of the Undead, such as eating habits, this can really enhance the role playing of such creatures, and deepen plotlines. As a PC, you can make good use of some of the items presented here, whether you are a Cleric of Nerull or a Paladin or Pelor. Will you use this whole book in its entirity? probably not, but you will probably use some of it. If you use a lot of undead in your campaign, then this book is dead on for you.



3. Where to begin? I suppose I should begin by saying that if you can't stand the sight of cysts, and disembodied heads being swarmed and eaten by rats, then you shouldn't get this book. Also, if you can't stand the thought of children perishing then being brought back and being used by an evil Necromancer to sow chaos, then you might steer clear of this book. But if the aforementioned doesn't bother you, or already has your mind filled with a million and a half ideas for your campaigns, then let's talk.
   
   Firstly, let's talk about... oh, I don't know... say, the monsters. There's fluff and there's crunch, first of all, or if you don't know what that means, things that are overall useless and things that have you saying, 'bout time. Brain In A Jar? Who needs that? Grave-Dirt Golem? I know what you're thinking, 'Oh, No! Not another Construct!' but bear with me, while it's not necessarily necessary, it is fun to have a Golem made of dirt, with bones of people who perished and were unlucky enough to have their graves used for the Golem. Besides, it fits a Necromancer, or any class, really, who builds Constructs for whatever reason who likes to hang around graveyards. So yeah, like I said, fluff and crunch. Also, there's fluffy, crunchy creatures including the Slaughter Wight, the Wheep, and the Spectral Lyrist. I'll leave it to you to decide what's fluff and crunch among those, and every other new monster in the book.
   
   Secondly, let's talk about the prestige classes, there's classes like the Death's Chosen, the True Necromancer, and the Pale Master. Now, those aren't the only classes in this book, there's also the Dirge Singer and the Master of Radiance. I'll talk about those. The Dirge Singer, as you've probably guessed, is a prestige class for the Bard who specializes in songs that fill their enemies with sorrow and dread and, by my gathering, I haven't read in detail yet, can control some undead. The Master of Radiance is a prestige class for a druid, but you also have to have some levels as a cleric, at any rate, the Master of Radiance can use spells that channel sunlight and destroy undead who are destroyed by sunlight (blasted vampires). And on the subject of Clerics, I know, they're lame, let's not kid around here, about all they can do is heal and turn undead. But in this book, they can also summon undead. Yes, Clerics of Nerull, rejoice. You can summon undead to do your dirty work, while you use your Inflict spells to keep them at full strength (Instead of doing damage, Inflict Grievous Wounds recovers a lot of damage for that Huge Skeleton you summoned).
   
   Thirdly, and the last I'm going to write about, is the nuts and bolts of campaign planning included in this book. The people who made this book were generous in giving several sample undead to use as minor villains, or use as the big baddie for your newbie players if your a DM. They also included a few scenarios to use if you're running an undead-centered campaign, including World of Shadows in which undead and the living coincide in day to day life, and Undying Rulers where powerful undead like a lich or a vampire rules the land. Needless to say, if you're the DM, you can change things about these and the other campaign over-views presented as you see fit. Do the undead and the living live in harmony and work together in World of Shadows? Did that lich just recently come into power after a very long line of undead in Undying Rulers? It's up to you. Of course, they're not stand alone. You can use these campaing overviews in conjunction with others described not only in this book, but others, as well, but you'd have to be pretty crafty to interweave a whole bunch of them.
   
   It's ultimately up to you whether you want this book or not, I'm just trying to point you in the right direction if you want an undead-centric campaign or at least to incorporate undead into your campaign. Also, it's a pretty good read as is.



4. This book is an outstanding resource for dm's and players alike. It has several different functions, without going into the specifics of chapter by chapter reviews (which has already been done).
   
   First, it includes a section on the various "ecologies" of the undead. This is an outstanding tool for designing new undead, designing campaigns and plot hooks for players. Several techniques are described for how undead feed and their effect on the undead psychology.
   
   Second, the book provides for a way to rapidly return a player to the game. Nothing is worse than having a character die early in the session and having to wait for your character to be raised or to make a new character to continue play - with this manual, you can rapidly join back in the game AND have a quest to complete at the same time - either the destruction of your sire, or the raising of your corpse. Much in the spirit of Ghostwalk, this manual allows for the game to go on even when your characters' pulse didn't.
   
   The book also contains a selection of new items and feats geared toward undead. Whether your character hunts undead or is one himself, there is something in here for them. In addition, it is useful for DM's in the same fashion to "bulk up" one of the villians with these additional feats and powers and thus suprise the players.
   
   All in all, another outstanding product from WOTC.



5. Libris Mortis: The Book of the Undead should be in the library of any self respecting Cleric of any deity or alignment.
   
   It will inform you of what each type of undead can do and therefore ensure you will be properly prepared when facing them. If you're more inclined to seek controlling such creatures, Libris Mortis will also help you in deciding which kind would be best suited to your needs.
   
   Happy Undead Hunting.

5 comments about Epic Level Handbook (Dungeon & Dragons d20 3.0 Fantasy Roleplaying).

1. My brother first introduced me to the world of D&D back in the 80's. Loved it then and love it now. This handbook is another in a long line of handbooks which prove useful for what they're intended. Most of every handbook, each of us won't use, we'll trudge on with what we know and love. But once in a while you just want to add something new. This book lets you do that.
   
   For the old curmudgeons out there(I'm one) it won't hurt to adapt or maybe pick and choose different approaches.
   
   I like to play, but I like to read about it too. Found a book, new one called The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. It's about a lad who reads a lot and plays D&D. He gets sent to a world where he uses his knowledge to survive and thrive. Epic Fantasy at it's best.



2. Great book full of delightfully useful info. Unfortunately for some its in version 3.0 but with a little work can be converted to 3.5.



3. OK, it covers just about everything, has cool pictures, and monsters that actually challenge 21+ characters! Also, the new epic prestiege classes and magic items really work into a campaign well!



4. Got this to give as a gift, and it was very well received !



5. If you are planning on taking your party into epic, this is an absolute must have. That said, some things about it were good, others bad:
   The bad:
   -Easily unbalanced. CR are often way off the mark (ie: CR 30 Demilich that can kill you by looking at you and heal itself completely every round. There is a lot more to it than this, but suffice to say, unless you tone down its abilities a lot, or are playing with a munchkinesque party, it will slaughter them. Furthermore, the epic spells provided are weak as hell, but the ones you can potentially make can get incredibly overpowered (thus, DM approval required). Many of the magic items are way underpriced (ie: cloak of epic SR, which costs about 200,000, if I remember correctly, and gives you SR of about, what was it? 40?), and some are really overpriced (the jump from a +5 to a +6 weapon, for example).
   In short, it will be necessary to double check EVERYTHING to run a balanced game, simply because epic levels were not sufficiently test run.
   
   The good:
   -An incredible amount of resources (this is a VERY big book).
   -Monsters all across the epic spectrum (I ran a campaign up to level 30 and there were still monsters in the book that could have annihilated the party, and others that the party could have stepped on without noticing).
   -Lots of interesting new magic items, and instructions for creating new epic level magic items/distinguishing between epic and non-epic items, etc.
   -Some new artifacts, which make good additions to the game (ie: Hextor's gauntlet)
   -Adventure ideas in the back, though I didn't use them myself.
   -Table of epic level adventure hooks, which was quite useful.
   -New, epic level prestige classes
   -Of course, an epic level experience table and other little DM tools
   -Information for progressing in epic levels in the core classes, as well as the prestige classes from the DM's guide. Also includes sample information for progressing any other 10 level prestige class.
   -All sorts of awesome epic feats (an enormous section) for all classes.
   -Great artwork (sorry, Mialee is still ugly as sin)
   
   I'm sure there's a lot more that I'm missing, but here's an overall summary:
   Great book. Definitely a must for an epic campaign. Well worth the money. Parts are unbalanced, but this can be mostly/entirely negated by a skilled DM. Lots of resources. Currently priced at $6 ($10 with shipping). If you don't have it, and intend to run an epic campaign, I would highly recommend picking it up before copies become inaccessible.

5 comments about Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Prima's Official Strategy Guide.

1. This book takes you step by step and the descriptions are clear. Although it may take a while to acutally complete the game while trying to read a player's guide at the same time, it does not take away from the excitement.

   And a big plus would be that this guide doesn't take away from the plot. BEWARE those that do!




2. Dear Zelda fans& lovers,
   This book is sure to help you on the 2nd level to getting the Goron Ruby.Soon I have this book to help me.
   P.S. This guide is the best!



3. This is a great companion to the game. It is descriptive and offers a number of strategies for certain situations. I noticed a couple of flaws in it, but nothing major. For example, in the back where it describes where to find all the gold skultulas, it usually has what you need to get it, what dungeon or town it is in, and where it is in the dungeon or town. However, one of them had the dungeons in one column, but what you need to use to get it in two coulmns, so I had no idea where to find it, even after searching. I think there is another flaw, but that is about it. They are very minor and don't take away the fact that this is a great guide!



4. This is a really good guide, I had a copy of this, but it was like five years old, and the pages fell out. But before, it was really a good guy, and it helped me out of a few tight spots. The one thing I think it could have is more puzzle-help. Especially the one in Forest Temlpe, the one where you have to move the crescent blocks. But, it might have had it, that pages has been missing in my copy for years. Overall, excellent. Highly recommended. Being a kid (-13) myself, I can say that most kids will find this easy to understand and comprehend, and the complete maps, listings, and charts are very clear!



5. Not being a "game" person, I must admit to having to struggle through the most simple of computer and other electronic type games. I simply could not have completed this one on my own. If this guide helped me, then I certainly feel it would be helpful to anyone! Ghe graphics in this book are excellent and the instructions are quite easy to follow. Recommened this one highly.

5 comments about The Buck Book: All Sorts of Things to do with a Dollar Bill-Besides Spend It.

1. We gave this to my daughter for Christmas and she loves it. She's an artistic sort of girl...likes origami, etc so it was right up her alley. We cannot believe all of the cool things she makes with a dollar bill and she can do it anywhere. It's a great conversation starter and has made her popular with her friends! Absolutely would recommend this book!



2. Very cute book--fun for all ages, or for all ages of people with a little patience.



3. I got this for my 11 year old son. He already had some origami experience and really enjoyed it. He easily did the the first few projects, but had a little difficulty with the elephant and the peacock. After we looked at it closer, we were able to figure it out with little trouble. The book is very well written (and illustrated) and the projects are very clever. My son's main problem was that he was just using the pictures and wasn't taking the time to also read the directions. The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat while you work with the dollar. There are also fun facts included. All-in-all, it is entertaining and well worth the money. I only wish there had been a few more shapes to make.



4. Having been at the beginner level of origami for many years--that is, I follow the ideas in the books and don't create my own--I have at least 30 books on subjects from origami boxes to modular (unit) origami to money origami. This is one of the best, an excellent introduction to origami in general. Dollars are made of excellent paper with printing on them that helps you get oriented with the diagrams in the book. The projects make great gifts (and tips at restaurants, of course).
   
   This book does not introduce you to the variety of "folds" (such as the outside-reverse fold and the rabbit fold) that are the vocabulary of the mainstream origami books, but eases you into the basics (including the inside-reverse fold without labeling it as such). You will enjoy the transition of your ordinary one-dollar bill into these little origami models, which are mostly three-dimensional (many origami books have you sweating and, 47 folds later, ending up with a flat two-dimensional depiction of some insect). Go to other books if this one inspires you to become an origamist. Or just stay here and have fun. And yes I know that insect origami seems to be viewed with a certain amount of reverence, but you get animals in this book also.
   
   When you have folded your masterpiece, origami is fun in that you can unfold it and practice it again until you have it memorized, very useful for when you want to leave a "Dime-In-Ring" as a tip (this project will cost you $1.10).
   
   I would not hand the book to a young child, as the activies probably work best with an adult helping those under 10 years old. The adult should have completed the model first.
   
   I would recommend getting a bunch of new crisp bills from your bank. Ask the bank when they come in, as the book says they usually arrive around January. Just in case the US gov has any plans to change the pattern on the one-dollar bill, that's another reason to hoard some of the old ones. However, bills that are fairly crisp but not necessarily brand new work very well, and you can find these regularly in change handed to you. When you get these crisp bills in change, hand over a $5 bill and get five more crisp ones.
   
   Lastly, as commented on already, the humor and the little facts about money are entertaining. Typical "Klutz book" excellence.
   
   Happy folding.
   
   Mike
   
   PS Another book, also on an origami specialty but also for the serious beginner who wants to produce fun and useable projects is "Wings and Things: Origami That Flies."



5. I was hoping for a step-by-step detailed description of how to fold the dollar, instead I had to pass this book to my brother who is an expert in folding the buck to use this book. But even he found some of the directions difficult to understand. There also weren't that many ideas suggested in this book. There are more ideas for folding the buck online than offered in this book.

4 comments about From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Vesilin Topalov.

1. First I want to clarify and say that this book deserves its good reputation, and its high selling volume since it first came out is justified. One can enjoy penetrating into thinking process of the skilled chess professionals who had been interviewed from the Kramnik camp, as well as read excripts from the other GMs cited from different sources.
   Sheer amount of psychology involved into pre-game preparation is puzzling, and drive one to continuously read it. Concreatly, I was more interested into reading details of pre-game preparation process and post-mortem reactions, than of analysis of the games played. Fortunatelly, analysis material of the games is significantly lighter that that of the "San Luis 2005" book, but still it wouldnt mind if some more textual explanation had been added into it, especially at late opening phase mortals nowdays are hard to grasp.
   From historical perspective this is the book to have on your chess shelf to cover world championship matches starting from 2000 and leading to final unification match in 2006.
   Recommended.



2. If you are a typical chess amateur like me who loves to read chess books more for the anecdotes, and sort of wishes that the games and analysis would somehow automatically permeate through to my consciousness, then you will love this book.
   
   The stories and accounts are fascinating, Ilya Luvitov in particular asks some very sharp and direct questions and this brings out the best of Bareev. And snippets in between from thoughts of Kramnik and Lautier and the occassional quip from an Kasparov interview keep making the book more colorful.
   
   The games are full of diagrams and there is both sufficient text commentary that you dont need to setup a board and also there is enough analysis to keep one busy if one did get the pieces out !
   
   A book not to be missed, unique amongst all chess books in the way it captures the very heart of the human element of competitive endeavour.



3. After I have seen this book I must say that it is a "must" that anyone should have. It is shameful that somebody that wants to become the undisputed world champion, tries to win it by means that do not belong to the sport. To accuse someone and to have no proof at all of anything, it is only show of seomone who is not capable of getting anything via normal ways.
   Definitely Kramnik won "EVERY SINGLE POINT" on the chess board. I have seen the San Luis 2005 book, and I would say, that yes it might have some points in which Topalov could have worked on his own before computers were well developed. But, to try to win a WCC match by no sportive means. That's something else!. NO EXCUSE for that!!!
   I really like the book!



4. From London to Elista: The Inside Story of the World Chess Championship Matches That Vladimir Kramnik Won Against Garry Kasparov, Peter Leko and Vesilin Topalov I found the book to read easily and the material with analysis is very strong.

5 comments about Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques.

1. Wonderful book and the dolls are just beautiful. These dolls are unusual with the latest savvy! Not your usual Raggedy Ann's. Includes dolls made by many cloth dollmakers and their perspective of their design which is wonderful reading. Excellent patterns and ideas! I highly recommend this book.



2. This is a great book, for the experienced doll maker, and the new beginner. The instrutions, with illustrations are clear and concise. Very easy to follow, very simple to use, and most of all fun. With a gallery of recognized colth doll makers, show casing what they have done with these patterns!
   
   A perfect starter book, this one should be on any soft cloth doll makers shelf.



3. Purchased this paperback and absolutely had to order ALL of the books of Ms. Medaris Culea. Wonderfully illustrated, easy to follow instructions with patterns provided, I'd say the beginner to expert dollmaker would find something of interest. Can't wait to hit the fabric store and find some fun remnants!



4. This is the second Culea book I've purchased, and I got this one primarily because I really like her first one. I'm new to doll making so I find the patterns and suggestions very helpful to get the creative juices flowing. This book also has a doll pattern as well as instructions for creative embellishments. One caveat: While this book is great for me as a beginning doll "artist", I don't think it's for a beginning sewer since the instructions tend to give you a broad outline of each process (not detailed steps.) On the plus side, the book has lots of illustrations to help you understand the instructions. It's also filled with photos of Culea's pattern interpreted by many "guest" artists. For me, this is definitely one of the more fun doll books in print right now.



5. Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques
   
   As a accompaniment to my Creative Cloth Doll Faces book, this book is a necessity to help me create beautiful dolls! I am excited and thrilled to have this book and learn about all the wonderful tips and tricks that can be used to create and embellish my dolls and make each doll unique - with her own personality!

5 comments about High-Low-Split Poker, Seven-Card Stud and Omaha Eight-or-better for Advan (Advance Player).

1. After reading the other books from Two Plus Two publishing by Sklansky & Malmuth, I was let down by this offering. I play both Stud 8/b and Omaha 8/b and I can't really say that this book helped me at all. Anyone who's logged any time at the tables knows the basics of live cards in Stud 8/b and drawing to the nuts in O8B. What I found especially irritating was the deceptive size of the book. Zee goes through the teaching sections and then says the EXACT same thing in the "Questions and Answers" section, giving the EXACT same answers. Considering how few good books there are on the subject of high-low poker, I thought surely an offering from Two Plus Two would be the definitive authority, but alas, buy this book and you'll be disappointed.



2. 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.
   O8 has so many naunces and the shorthand game is completely different from the regular game. Whilst the regular game can become very mechanical with discipline being the key criteria, the shorthanded game is a game of position and anticipation, bluffing (Do you call the bet at the river with A3 does he have A2? etc.) and guts. As your opponent keeps raising can you put him on a high hand or low hand?
   With two big bets an hour its twice a profitable as Holdem at the same limits. However there is such a gap between the good and bad players that bad players do not last too long. Therefore the regular O8 games become a grind with the odd "fish" preventing the blinds from eating up everyone.
   One weakness of the book is that a comprehensive set of odds tables are not given. For instance if you hold 3 low cards and 2 low cards flop that do not counterfeit your hand you have about a 60% chance of making a low hand by the river. The odds are important to compare to the pot odds & implied odds.
   
   One benefit of the book is introducing you to Hilo 7 Stud. If you like O8 low from the aspect of two way pots you will want to learn Stud 7 Hilo which is useful as you will have two opportunities for a game instead of one. It also adds to and draws from your stud 7 poker knowledge.
   Overall the book continues to be the best Hilo book for both games. (...)



3. I originally bought this 'cause I've been playing seven-card stud and was curious about Stud/8, but reading the Omaha/8 section motivated me into learning it first.
   
   I've read most of the relevant 2+2 Publishing poker books (and some of the irrelevant ones) and this seems fairly typical of the genre. They don't tend to give specific advice about specific hands, but describe strategy in more general terms and help players to start asking the right questions.
   
   The Stud/8 half is more comprehensive than the Omaha/8 half, but I feel both sections give pretty decent introductions to their respective games. While they don't, for example, list specific starting hands (a common complaint) I didn't have any trouble figuring out what to play; the beginning chapter in each section goes into the this in sufficient detail. They're "for advanced players" but I didn't have any trouble understanding any of them, and I'm most definitely a fishy newbie when it comes to poker.
   
   I really appreciate the "question and answer" sections. The questions serve as helpful reminders, which is exactly what they're supposed to be. If there's a question you don't understand, it's easy to hop back to the relevant section in the main text and read in more detail what he's talking about.
   
   My biggest issue, and it's a common problem with most of the 2+2 books, is the lack of basic information like hand probabilities. I find this surprising because of the emphasis placed in their books (Sklansky's Theory of Poker et al) on probability math in general and issues such as pot odds. If you don't know how likely it is your hand will hold up or what the chances are of, say, hitting a flush, it's nearly impossible to determine if you're getting enough of a return to make a call/bet worthwhile.
   
   In general I think their books could be much better, but I must admit they're currently the most rigorous introduction to poker play I've been able to find. If you're just starting out with Stud/8 or Omaha/8, or you're an intermediate player looking for ways to improve, I think Ray Zee's book will be useful. If you're hoping for a "gentle" introduction to these games you're in the wrong place--and you might want to rethink your poker career, because poker isn't and never will be all that easy to learn.
   
   Other suggestions: Bob Ciaffone's Omaha book has a practical section on Omaha/8, and I believe the latest version goes into it in even more detail. He's an excellent writer and his books are well worth checking out.
   
   You might also try Tenner and Krieger, but I wasn't that impressed. Cappeletti's Omaha book is a jumbled mess, it gives me a headache just to look at it. The SS/2 section isn't awful, but can be summed up as: "always draw to the nuts, play good starting hands".



4. this book is like no other 2+2 book~ its well edited.
   having been a seven card stud h/l play for 7 years my game started to have leaks, this book plugged them.
   
   if you are wanted to learn stud hi/lo read todd brunsons chapter in SS2 play and then pick up this book.
   
   the omaha hi/lo section is not bad, still is missing something but one of the better book writen on the subject.



5. There are no good books out there on how to play Omaha 8 or better. The closest to good books are this one and Todd Brunsons section in SuperSystem. This covers enough to get you rolling and gives good principles on play, as opposed to specific advice.
   
   Definitely worth getting if you're going to play split pot games.