No comments about Queens Can Beat Kings: Broad-Minded Poker for Winning Women.

4 comments about Omaha Holdem Poker: The Action Game.

1. I was looking forward to this book on Omaha Holdem for several reasons: a) there are very few books on the game available and b) Bob Ciaffone has written some good books on other forms of poker. But this book gets a thumbs down and here's why:

   1) It's way too short at just 106 pages. That just isn't room to even begin to go into Omaha Holdem.

   2) There's very little information here: Page one is devoted to the "Popularity of the Game." Page two "The Rules". Page 3 "The Showdown." Pages 4-5 "Origin of Omaha." Pages 6-8 are about community card poker. Pages 9-13 are about betting and the blind structure. Page 14-15 are about learning to read the board in Omaha (you must use 2 cards from yourhand and 3 from the board). Pages 16-18 are about "Should you learn Omaha?". Pages 19-23 are about comparing Omaha and Texas holdem. And remember, this book is only 106 pages long so there's no much left for actual strategy.

   3) Pages 91-97 are about tournaments.
   4) pages 98-101 are about "Future Ideas for Omaha".

   I simply found that there was barely enough information to even get started. For some reason this book is shorter than any of Ciaffone's other books even though Pot Limit Omaha
   "represents the ideal form of poker" to the author. I wish there were more information here but there simply isn't. Buyer beware, this book is short, not in-depth, and will provide only the very basics of beginning Omaha.




2. Sure, it'd be nice if this was a longer book but it still gives some solid Omaha advice and I think it's worth the money given the lack of other good Omaha books out there. It would be nice if this was as good as Ciaffone's other books but it's certainly no stinker.



3. If you plan on buying this book, you can get it direct from Ciaffone himself for $16 plus shipping and he will sign it too.
   
   Don't pay these other scabs their inflated prices!!!!!!



4. This is by far the best book on omaha high. However, it contains minimal information on omaha hi/lo. While the text is really short, hence I'm only giving it 4 stars, it contains many of the basics that are essential to be a great omaha player. If you are a PLO or omaha hi player and you only want to pick up one book this would be the one I'd recommend.

5 comments about No-Limit Life.

1. A truly inspirational, thought-provoking book. I read it straight through in one sitting. Not just for the poker-professional wanna be; but for anyone who sincerely wants to change their life. Attitude is everything, and Charlie shows us what it's all about.
   
   A great investment...something you'll find yourself reading over and over again and referring to often.
   
   Thank you Charlie!



2. I first met Charlie Shoten at Sam's Town casino in Las Vegas at a breakfast "meet and greet" before the first poker bloggers tournament. Charlie was scheduled to speak about his upcoming book "No-Limit Life." He offered insight into his Ten Commitments along with suggestions on how to eliminate 'Thought Terrorists' (TT) out of your life. Since that day, I had been waiting for his book to come out. I'm an avid reader and was eager to read about Charlie's thoughts on life and how it specifically applies to your poker game.
   
   I had the opportunity to engage in several inspiring conversations with Charlie Shoten. I'd catch him in the hallways at the Rio during the World Series of Poker or I'd stop by his booth at the Poker Expo. Most recently, I've been running into him at the Bellagio where you can often find him playing in their daily tournaments.
   
   We chatted about many different things. He gave me tips on improving my tournament game. We discussed his book and the intricacies of getting it published. And most importantly we spoke about personal freedom, a subject that intrigues me the most as a writer.
   
   You need to add this book to your poker library. It's always refreshing to read a book that focuses on subjects that are not just about poker. Charlie wrote a series of articles for Poker Player Newspaper and the feedback from readers was so overwhelmingly positive that he expanded the concept of those articles into No-Limit Life.
   
   Charlie Shoten shares with you some of his own personal philosophy and how if applied, you can improve both your life and your poker. No-Limit Life is a book that would be great for poker players of any skill level. I personally enjoyed his astute advice on being less of what we are not and discovering personal freedom to find a release of my inherent creativity.
   
   The design of the book is very cool. The quality of paper used is top notch. The pictures are outstanding. Several of them were taken by Flip Chip. And even pictures some of your favorite bloggers are in Charlie's book, including yours truly on Page 191. On almost every page there are boxed quotes from both Charlie and a selection of great minds including William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Alfred Tennyson, Winston Churchill, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. There are small illustrations sprinkled throughout the book where you get to see the cartoon version of Charlie Shoten.
   
   On the margin of every left page, he lists keywords for his Ten Commitments:
   
   1. Attitude
   2. Focus
   3. Notice
   4. Intentions
   5. Trust
   6. Appear
   7. Outcome
   8. Forgiveness
   9. Notice
   10. Gratitude
   
   Charlie spends a lot of time discussing his "Sixth Commitment" which is: I am calm, confident, and clear, and I wait for my best choice to appear. This is advice that you can apply to your life whether you are seated at a poker table or in a business meeting. I've found myself repeating Charlie's Sixth Commitment to settle down while I was on the verge of tilt during my last bad poker session.
   
   Plenty of pros have read and embraced Charlie's book as well. Included in No-Limit Life are commentaries from notable pros who enjoyed Charlie's book such as Vince Burgio, Scotty Nguyen, Men the Master, Carlos Mortensen, and Miami John Cernuto. Even WPT founder Lyle Berman purchased twelve books so he could give them to his friends.
   
   Since his book has been published, Charlie has shown me some of the glowing emails and letters he's gotten.
   
   Here's a sample of what readers have been saying about No-Limit Life:
   
   "You are far more than a poker player and I commend you for your work. You are teaching people to guide themselves, and that's the greatest gift a leader can give."
   
   "Not all can say what they mean and mean what they say! The real task is to of course practice what you have taught in No-Limit Life."
   
   "Your book has altered my perceptions so drastically, that now I can better handle the stress of professional poker. Thanks for changing my life."
   
   "Your book gave me the knowledge and map I needed to have the courage to deal with my negative outlook on life. I have turned my future into something positive. The pages of the book were filled with an abundance of wisdom from someone who has obviously 'been there.' I finally had the recipe to be myself and eliminate my Thought Terrorists. This has allowed me to be a better and happier person than I ever thought to be."



3. I have been playing tournament poker for two years with mediocre success. I happened to meet Charlie at a Bellagio tournament and he was asking another player if he wanted to purchase his book. Charlie's style of play peaked my interest, so I asked if I could purchase the book too. I left it on my desk for close to a month like most people do, but after a few more losing events at the poker table, I cracked the cover and started my journey.
   
   Once I finished the book, I had a whole new perspective about playing poker. The next tournament I entered was at the Bellagio, and can you believe it, I placed fourth and banked a very nice profit! A week later (Jan 31), I came back to the Bellagio and placed third earning another great profit. After that, I played the Mirage and won third again; and a week later, I played Mirage again and won first place!
   
   Charlie's book has honed my psychological skills by allowing me to divert my negative thoughts and accelerating my positive ones. Poker is a game of people first, then you play the cards is what I have learned from this book; the biggest competition is your own mind!
   
   Last month, I played a satellite with Charlie at the Bellagio. I made it to the bubble, but did not win my seat into the $1060 buy-in. After the satellite was over, I took a break and reviewed my copy of No-Limit Life. I decided to buy my way into the $1060 tournament because the field was over 150 challengers and the prize pool was close to $50k.
   
   Well, I took my time as Charlie teaches, and I waited for my "time to appear," which happens to be the sixth commitment in Charlie's system. It paid off. I placed third, winning my biggest payout to date.
   
   Because of Charlie's guidance, I have a new level of confidence with my game, and now I have the bankroll to step up to larger tournaments.
   
   Thanks for the great advice and teaching Charlie...you are a true professional and WINNER!
   
   Watch out WPT/WSOP, Frank "The Loan Ranger" is moving his way up the tournament circuit!



4. Charlie Shoten's "No-Limit Life" is a book that goes vastly beyond simply improving your poker game. In the book, Charlie helps the reader attack a portion of their game that many of us have no control over, the mindset. He has commendably figured out what keeps many people from achieving the maximum from their abilities, whether at the tables or in the game of life itself.
   
   While most books only point out the signs of difficulties and problems, Charlie has not only shown the signs of what attacks our mental states but also offers ways to counteract these attackers. It is a significant step for a tome that acts as a "help" book when the help is provided in the reading of the book, instead of through much time, expense and continued analysis.
   
   By reading and implementing the advise given in "No-Limit Life", anyone can achieve their goals and ambitions, whether they are a poker player or someone who is in a completely different field. It is useful to anyone in becoming a better human being and Charlie should be commended for his approach to looking at life and its various travails.



5. February 16, 2006
   
   When I purchased "No-Limit Life" from Charlie he asked me to be sure I read it. I am very glad I did. I couldn't put it down. I read most of it while I was playing a major poker tournment in Las Vegas. It is a beautiful colorful book, interesting, enjoyable, and puts a smile on your face at every page. It can help you see yourself differently and shift you life's priorities.
   
   I purchased twelve more books as gifts for my family and friends. Later, I ordered another dozen because many of those who received a copy had the same response I had. This speaks of how I feel about Charlie's book. Not only will your poker game improve, but your life as well.
   
   Thank you Charlie for writing "No-Limit Life". Players and non-players of poker all over the world should enjoy and benefit from your wonderful book.
   
   Sincerely,
   
   
   Lyle Berman
   Founder/World Poker Tour/Travel Channel
   Chairman of the Board/CEO
   Lakes Entertainment,Inc.

4 comments about Play Poker, Quit Work and Sleep Till Noon.

1. 5-card draw high poker is a dieing game in the US. This book is by far the best on this game; at least of the 50 or so poker books I have read. It is also an excellent book to get "Tells", body language that gives away the opponents hand. Even if you do not play draw high this book is great for any poker player. On the down side it has considerable bigotry which cannot be avoided. Ignore that, go for the strategy and tactics, and this book is for you



2. This is a pretty good book, but it doesn't address the games that are actually played in poker rooms now: Texas hold 'em and 7-card stud. So it is of no use to most players today.



3. This is a pretty good book, but it doesn't address the games that are actually played in poker rooms now: Texas hold 'em and 7-card stud. So it is of no use to most players today.



4. Book discusses 5 card draw (scarsely played game at casinos) and how to win. However, the value of the book lies in its description of various hustle moves that can be done at the table for those who want to take every advantage in a game.

4 comments about Wiley's Refrain.

1. In Portland, Oregon, poker professional Wiley learns from Danny Alexander that he got promising young jazz musician Ronnie a part-time gig. Afterward Wiley laments to his pal, Leon (friends since their days of being abused in elementary school by their teacher Mrs. Boomer) that he prays that Danny has his head on straight or the talented Ronnie might suffer. The gambler will soon realize how accurate his comment proves to be when someone murders Ronnie.
   
   Wiley takes the homicide personally as he and his family knew the victim. With the help of Leon, they begin walking the mean streets of Portland, but the clues take a spin to Hawaii. Wiley who has never set foot on the home of his family tree heads to the Aloha State where he expects to pound the crap out of Danny, who he blames and the proof seems to affirm his involvement. However, Wiley finds that one red herring after another takes him down a different path.
   
   The third Wiley escapade is an exciting thriller that takes the hero/antihero (depending on whether you are on the receiving end of either his or Leon's fists) on an intriguing noir adventure. The flashbacks and side comments to his past enable the audience to see much more of Wiley's moral system that demands justice vigilante style immediately. Though the motive behind the need for vengeance that drives Wiley and Leon to seek the killer never seems fully developed fans will appreciate his latest adventure.
   
   Harriet Klausner



2. This is by far the best of the Wiley series. The author has hit his stride in this book, having a fine story, involving characters, and wonderful use of understated dialogue. Much like the Robert Parker "Spenser" books - but much more edgy and up to date.
   
   The story is one of greed, anger, sadness and longing. All wrapped around the blues scene and the Portland and Hawaii locales. Anyone who has been into music or Hawaii will love the imagery, even though it does show more of the underground marginally criminal sides of those worlds.
   
   Anyway, I highly recommend it for those who like Westlake, Vachss, Goren, Block and other such authors.



3. Very enjoyable crime novel. Waiwaiole's writing style can seem a little forced at times, but overall is engaging. I liked the Hawaiian touches.



4. First, some background before the review:
   
   Way back in the early-to-mid 1990's, a sleazy Portland nightclub owner and concert promoter was allegedly printing hundreds of extra counterfeited concert tickets, then selling them at the door before gigs and pocketing the extra cash. Late one night after a John Lee Hooker blues show, a young man who had just moved to town and taken a job at one of the nightclubs confronted the promoter about the scam. No one ever saw him again. The club owner claimed he was innocent of any wrong doing.
   
   A reporter for a weekly alternative newspaper got whiff of the story, and doggedly investigated the disappearance, interviewing hundreds of people and publishing literally dozens of articles over the course of the next few years; and with the aid of the missing boy's frantic parents, aided the authorities with solving - more or less - a seedy murder and the subsequent cover-up by the killer.
   
   The club owner, meanwhile, was having other problems, besides dealing with the investigation into the disappearance of his employee: he was in serious trouble with the IRS, and he eventually bolted the country, only to be arrested while promoting a concert in Vietnam. The Oregonian and the television news media began to tell portions of the story as well, now that it was national news. The club owner was later convicted of tax evasion, but the murder was ever proven - I don't think that the missing employee's body was never found.
   
   That's the gist of the story anyway, near as I can remember. The entire thing was like a plotline taken right out of a pulp-noir type thriller. Okay, enough with the background. Now, on to the review...
   
   For Wiley's Lament, the third installment in his neo-noir thriller series featuring a troubled, card-playing vigilante named Wiley and his childhood friend and former pimp, Leon, Portland author and former high school English teacher Lono Waiwaiole steals this set up almost word-for-word, changing a few details here and there along the way to suit his own story, which is told in retrospect, after Wiley heads to Hawaii chasing a killer.
   
   Here, the concert promoter/killer is a sex-and-gambling addict/sleazebag named Danny (also referred to as Dannyboy), and the murder victim is Ray, a sometime employee of Danny's, and the talented young bass-player for an up-and-coming Portland-based blues group managed by Leon.
   
   Ray's band gets a plum gig opening for B.B. King; then, the night before the yearly Portland Blues Festival, Danny bludgeons Ray to death with a microphone stand after failing to smooth talk Ray out of his suspicion that Danny sold hundreds of extra tickets to the show and stole a large portion of the receipts. Danny covers up the killing with the aid of his even sleazier right-hand-man and his gay chauffer.
   
   The next day, Ray fails to show for the band's scheduled gig at the blues festival. This being totally out of character for Ray, Leon and Wiley get a bad vibe and worriedly confront Danny, who was the last person to see Ray alive. Danny gives them a lame, phony story about Ray leaving town due to a family emergency, then compounds the lie by setting up a violent `diversion' - the rape of Wiley's estranged ex-wife Julie (and the mother of his dead daughter) - by a couple of hired thugs brought in from Washington State. Wiley and Leon immediately sense something fishy after speaking with the paranoid Danny, and then the book is off and running.
   
   As with his previous two novels, Waiwaiole splits the resulting narrative along parallel chapters, using the device to alternate between Wiley and Leon's search for the truth of Ray's disappearance and Wiley's eventual hunt for his killer, and Danny's deepening paranoia over the theft, the murder, and his pursuit.
   
   Waiwaiole's writing is still somewhat uneven - the clipped noir banter that marked the first two novels comes and goes here, and often sounds forced, distracting the reader from the story and the more interesting bits of Wiley's introspection; scenes and chapters are set up and then mysteriously abandoned - as when Ray's parents fly into town to help locate their missing son. Waiwaiole pads the pages informing us of his intimate, map-like knowledge of Portland and the surrounding environs, sounding like a dashboard GPS system while Wiley and Leon drive around, aimlessly hunting for clues. Frustratingly, instead of letting events unfold naturally, Waiwaiole has a tendency to get sloppy and use contrived situations to resolve Wiley's investigation. Wiley doesn't seem do much, really; he usually seems to end up being in the right (or wrong) place at the right time.
   
   The duo of Wiley and Leon are planted firmly in a grittier, Spenser and Hawk type mold; and on the plus side, in Wiley, Waiwaiole has created something original: a unique and complex character with a fertile and wholly developed background. This only being his third book, Waiwaiole seems to be finding his own voice as a writer, slowly but surely rounding into a talented author with a gift for finding interesting stories to tell. All my quibbles aside, this is a much more satisfying and fully realized novel than either of his previous books, and - despite my gripes - is well worth a look.

1 comments about The Man Behind the Shades: The Rise and Fall of Stuey 'The Kid' Ungar, Poker's Greatest Player.

1. Anyone reading this review will already know about the legendary Stu Ungar, the only person to ever win 3 WSOP Main Events in the no limit hold em format. After reading this, you'll know why he didn't win it a fourth or fifth time (which he could have done).
   
   I'm very thankful that Stu agreed to do this book before he passed away. He began speaking with the author only a few months before he died, and this book took several more years before it was completed. It was put together extremely well.
   
   He led a very unusual life. If you told me this was a fictional book, then I'd tell you they went overboard with the story, as much of it is just unbelievable. As it is, all of it is true and therefore mind-boggling.
   
   Stu should know that allowing his life to be laid out in this book is very helpful. It leaves us with a better of understanding of his accomplishments and his downfalls. It also allows us to get to know him, in the only way possible, through this book. Drugs robbed him, his family, and all of us enthusiasts of the greatest mind to ever play poker or gin.
   
   His story will speak to those who aren't into cards as well. We all want a story that turns out rosie in the end, but here all that is left is what was. Long Live Stuey "the Kid" Ungar, may you finally have the fulfillment that you sought time and time again in this life.

5 comments about Poker Omaha Hi-Low Split Eight or Better, Book One.

1. let me save you the 8.95 it cost me to buy this book. If you know the rules of Omaha, all the book says is the following. bet the nuts, call the nut draw, throw everything else away. you typically need a full house to win high, and can sometimes win with a flush. forget about any low hand worse than 6-high and be careful even with that as you often split the low half.

   there's simply not enough knowledge in this book to sit even 3-6 at a casino.




2. this book is definitely for the beginner...i've played other games seriously and found that i had already figured out nearly everything this book mentions...the new information i found would fill less than half a page...omaha is a complex game and mr. nelson barely skims it's twists and turns...the book is very short, 71 pages, and does little with statistical analysis(which i expected in volume) if you've played seriously, or want to, i'd suggest skipping this one...



3. Respectfully, this book and its sequal are both hardly worth the paper they're printed on. As others have said, Mr. Nelson barely skims the surface of this rather complex game. He describes a couple of hands he's played (and won - big surprise!) and expects the reader to generalize correct Omaha/8 play from these few examples. There is no systematic discussion of starting hands nor play after the flop, turn, and river, and the reader is left knowing only that Mr. Nelson likes to hear himself talk. Better to use your eight dollars to raise when you have the button than buy this book.



4. This is a very thin book, with little substantive information. If you know the rules of omaha and know how to read the board, you are a step ahead of this book. The only substantive information is regarding good starting hands, but it is mostly common sense. For the small price, you will get your money's worth only if you are a true beginner to omaha.



5. There are very few modern books on the topic of Omaha Hi-Low Split and I was elated to find one written by Andy Nelson. His books on Hold'em were pretty good--short, but good. This book was useless. I can honestly say that as a novice Omaha Hi-Low player, I did not take away even one piece of information from this book that I wasn't aware of from simply observing and playing a few hands. A much better Omaha book is "Winner's Guide to OMAHA POKER" by Ken Warren. It's written well and offers fantastic advice for the beginning and even intermediate player. I would not recommend Andy Nelson's book to anyone.

5 comments about Pressure Poker: Poker Strategy and Tools to Improve Your Game.

1. I own over 60 poker related books and dvd's and this is only the 2nd book I have ever sent back. It is just a compilation of information from other books, and a bunch of useless information (how to build a poker table?? don't they sell those in several stores??). Please save your money for one of the myraid other poker titles that will actually teach you something. It sure has a NICE TITLE, and a review from one of his friends, but don't let either sway you.



2. The truth about this book lies somewhere between those early five star "publisher's fluff" reviews, and the guy who says the book is worthless. There is some good material in the book. I liked the discussion of the various software tools for online-poker. (Although much or all of this can be found on the internet.)
   
   "Pressure Poker" is a technique or strategy that is currently a hot topic in the poker world. So you would think a book with this title would explore that topic rather throughly. Unfortunately there are only about 5 pages on that topic. So I felt the title was misleading.
   
   People who have never played online poker before (a vast number of people) will find a lot of good intoductory material here. Those already in the know, may consider it to be filler. But I did find a few interesting ideas that I had not seen in print before. So I would not say the book is unoriginal.
   
   Not a bad book. If it were priced comparably to other books of it's size, I could have given it 4 stars. But for the price, you can buy the great "Harrington on Holdem" and still have some change left...



3. I'm a pretty stubborn person and don't like to take advice from people, but this was the first poker book I bought since I got so much detailed and helpful advice from doubleas' blog site (it's still the only poker book I own). Yes, I lost $ when I started playing poker online, but have been much more successful since reading Scott's book. He does cover a lot of the basics, but also expands into the other realms of poker which most people should find interesting. There is no such thing as the perfect book, so I'm not sure what some of the complaints are about. If you aren't interested in a certain portion of the book...just skip it...there are plenty of other interested readers who would enjoy the topic you are unintersted in anyway. So hats off to Scott for covering a wide-range of poker and including his buddies in the guest chapters. I find that very honorable, unlike someone else commented. Best of all, the book contains his strategies that have made him, and countless other players, successful poker players. If you don't find the book helpful, or think it's "useless", or even sent it back, then you're not understanding it's content well and not appreciating what the book can do for you.



4. Very helpful book for understanding tournament play. Fresh, new insights were very valuable.



5. I found this book to be full of superficial advice. "Oh, and you can play poker online, too. There are even tournaments online. The advantage of tournaments are that you know what your max loss might be, going in, as it's limited to the entry fee." That's not a real quote, but you get the idea. Having read the chapters, my first thought was "Really? Really? Now why on earth did you spend the time to put this book together?"
   
   If you find someone who says to you "Holdem? What's holdem?", you can give him this book. But if he doesn't say that, you can't give him this book. He already knows everything in this book. And so do you.
   
   I do believe the book should have been properly labeled "For the most raw beginners only". If that had happened, I wouldn't have bought the book. Many people, who are just barely past the Beginner Stage, wouldn't buy the book. They are seeking Intermediate Stage advice, and this book isn't it. For the most raw beginner, this book might offer something. It certainly offered nothing to me. Don't spend the money, in my opinion. Buy something else.

4 comments about POKER, Omaha, High/Low Split, Intermediate.

1. In my opinion as a long time player of Omaha, High/Low Split, Mr. Nelson's advice is top notch. He says to play solid cards in good position and you will win. Straight forward poker is what I call it. My records indicate that Mr. Nelson is absolutely correct. His advice on playing Omaha without an ace in your hand is foolishness. He cautions us to play carefully on the low side and raise when you have the high side nuts. Always remember that the low side is only about numbers while the high side has flushes, full houses and quads. Getting a quarter or a third of the pot on the low side does not make for a healthy bank roll. In short, Mr. Nelson, thanks for helping me play better Omaha!



2. I've played a LOT of hold'em and omaha poker, and read most of the literature on these games, and this books simply does not stack up. It's advice is simplistic, and well-known to anyone who has played the game at all seriously. Not that there is anything wrong to a lot of the advice, it simply will not give you any edge. Far better are books by Tom McEvoy, Bob Ciaffione, and Ray Zee, which take a little more effort to master, but give some real insight. This wouldn't be a good book for anyone other than a beginner.



3. i found this book disappointing...it is not what i expected...very little real information...large print, few pages, no statistics on hand value...what is there is good advice...just not enough to improve a good player's game...very pricey for what you get...invest in one of the other authors if you take your poker seriously...



4. This book (and book one) is for beginners only. If you already know how to read the board (the five community cards on the table), you will not get much use out of these two books. There is some useful information on starting hands. The rest of the books emphasizes playing for the nutz or folding. No other strategy or game play is taught. At the low price, you almost get what you pay for.

No comments about The Smarter Bet Guide to Poker: Texas Hold 'Em, Seven-Card Stud, and Other Popular Versions (Smarter Bet Guides).