5 comments about Once upon a Time: The Storytelling Card Game.

1. I love this game and recommend it if you have a large group of people over a lot and want to find a way to entertain.



2. This game is for 2 to 6 players and is recommended for ages 8 and up, although all you need to play are basic reading skills and a healthy imagination. The game consists of a 16 page rulebook, 112 "Once Upon A Time" storytelling cards, and 56 "Happy Ever After" ending cards. Blank cards are included, so players can add their own ideas if desired. The object of the game is to use up all your storytelling cards, and end up by playing your ending card. All the other players are trying to direct the story towards their own ending. There are two ways to interrupt the current "storyteller" and take over the direction of the story.
   
   The "One Upon A Time" cards are divided into five different groups as follows: Characters, Items, Places, Aspects, and Events.
   
   Examples of ending or "Happy Ever After" cards include: "And there they sit to this very day", "As dawn broke they could see it was perfect" - and my own personal favorite - "And he listened to his mother's advice from then on."
   
   Could be educational as well when used in a classroom setting (such as literature, theatre arts, etc.) to explore the different elements of a good story and how they are woven together.



3. Busted both the Once Upon a Time deck and the expansion deck (Dark tales) today in the class; grade 7s, quite verbally talented. They took to it immediately. It reinforces basic conversation skills - waiting for a pause before interrupting and listening. They've been at it for nearly an hour without any direction from me. I just ordered 4 packs of the make your own story cards.
   
   Linking it to any creative writing unit would be easy.



4. This is a really great card game and it incorporates lots of great fairy tale elements. I brought it to a sleepover with a bunch of my friends and after having a really fun time playing it the normal way we invented a new way. We each took 10 cards then spent five minutes making up a short story based on those cards. It gave way to our inside joke, "Once upon a time, there was a door!"



5. We played this game with 4 people all over the age of 25. We started at 10 pm had 3 games and stopped at 1am. It was the funniest, most creative card game we've ever played, and this is a group of avid gamers.
   I would recommend this game to anyone who loves to use their imagination and isn't too hung up on plot holes lol. We're going to create cards that can interrupt when ever there is a Monty Python reference or a Princess Bride parallel, just to name a scant few.
   Hours of fun, loads of laughs and only as much competition as you want. (My take on it is to see how long a person can go with a farm animal card and an island....dang it that's a Lost reference)

5 comments about Hats & Eyeglasses: A Family Love Affair with Gambling.

1. I loved this book and I really don't care about gambling or poker. This book made me sad and happy, made me laugh and cry. I read it on the beach in Miami and was so captured by the story that I got a sun burn. This book made me believe in family.



2. I first met Martha Frankel in the summer of '66. She came along with a "cousin" who, eventually, I would marry. It was on Jones Beach (L.I.). Her cousin was beautiful, Martha was funny and brutally honest (still is) but sorely lacked beach etiquette. I forgave her.
   When reading Hats & Eyeglasses I revisited a place that brought back fond memories.
   Martha's family was my family...for a while. I know of what she writes. She remembers details and nuances with precision. She also retains that self deprecating humor (after having become quite accomplished in her life). Her gambling came naturally from her family, like another family might foster atheletes or scholars. It was not a problem until it became a problem.
   I highly recommend this book be read by anyone wanting a look into a highly personal account, revealed to all...with clarity, perception and, most of all, brutally honest humor.
   
   Grimes
   West Palm Beach



3. Once you start, you will not put it down and then find yourself recommending to everyone you know!



4. I don't think I've loved a book character this much since I read "Eloise". If they made a movie of this book, Bette Midler would have to play Martha. This is a woman that anyone would fall in love with. She's open and smart and funny and warm and loving. And nutty. For a poker player (like me), reading it was wonderful (and even instructive!) and exactly described my own experience in loving the game. But it's really about Martha, and getting to know her is a fabulous treat.



5. An absolute delight.
   If you're looking for a great book for you or a friend, this is it.
   This book is so lovable I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't love it, quote it, and beg everyone they know to read it so they could compare notes.
   "Hats and Eyeglasses" is my new FAVORITE phrase and favorite book to recommend.

5 comments about The Expert at the Card Table: The Classic Treatise on Card Manipulation.

1. The book helped me in understanding the basic moves and other subtleties in card manip... Knowing the purpose of each of the moves is worth it.



2. The tips and strategies in this book were extremely helpful. Now whenever I play with my friends or illegal poker rooms, I always win! Just don't try any of these strategies at the Bellagio.



3. Some book are just required. As a professional magician this book is absolutely a must have in my collection. The material is sometimes difficult to understand, but if you are truly serious about it, then you will get through it and the rewards for your performance skills are practically endless.
   [...]



4. I am fairly new to card magic / artifice / subterfuge and this book was great. I find his way of explaining hand positions superior to that of Hugard and Braue's material. I also enjoy the way he writes far more... The introduction alone is worth the price. The techniques are great because one doesn't have to rely on diversion, most of the sleights can be pulled off with the spectator's eyes directly on the pack.



5. I bought this book as a gift for my brother, expecting him to learn a few showy tricks to impress me with. However, he told me later that basically the whole book was about cheating. He wasn't really interested by that, and the book is still sitting on a shelf at my house. I wish I'd been better informed about what kind of tricks were in the book.

3 comments about Bridge: 25 Ways to Take More Tricks As Declarer (Bridge (Master Point Press)).

1. Here we have a recent (2003) entry in the growing and popular "25" series of fine bridge books. This time co-author David Bird joins the accomplished teacher Barbara Seagram to concentrate on declarer play. The 25 chapters are organized mostly by increasing difficulty, starting off with something as basic as Simple Finesses and progressing to more intermediate topics such as holdup plays and planning NT offenses, to subjects as sophisticated as dummy reversals and counting the opponent's shape/points.
   
   The format of "25 Ways" follows the successful earlier entries in the series. Each topic is introduced, illustrative examples highlight the discussion, and each chapter features about three hands that test the student on his digestion of the preceding material. As usual, an explanatory answers page helps check one's rationale against the "proper" solution. The writing tone is conversational which helps make what is basically a textbook a little more fun to read. With material aimed at beginners through somewhat advanced intermediate players, there's probably something for most everyone in "25 Ways"; and it is a book we highly recommend during our "299-er" sessions at the bridge club!



2. This book is excellent for players wanting to improve declarer play. Format is easy to follow, and summaries and quizzes at end of each chapter are helpful.



3. This is my fifth book by the author ... each has been useful and has improved my game ... each chapter is short which makes it easy to pick up and study at any time ...

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.

5 comments about Zen and the Art of Poker: Timeless Secrets to Transform Your Game.

1. I have been playing poker professionally for a little over a year now and have read all different kinds of poker books. But this was the first one that really took into the importance of your mental state. If you want to read a book that is going to give you statistics and odds this isn't it. If your looking for something that is going to make you think more about your innerself and others at and away from the table this is a must read. By the way- I have never written a review before but I felt that this was a must for the serious or even part time player!



2. This is a great book for the beginner to middle player skill level. It starts off like it may be for advanced players but with its redundant reminders of how to play certain types of hands and what to do in case scenarios it drills it into the player. Making it much easier to retain the information.



3. This is the one book that I can read time and time again, and always learn something new depending on where I'm at in my poker career and my life. It's not a poker instructional book by any means. It's about you and who you are at the poker table -- but really, it's about who you are in your every day existence.
   
   If you like to look inside and make yourself a better person, then this book addresses core issues that can help you excel. Let's face it, life is poker and poker is life. Larry Phillips encapsulates this beautifully. It will help you play better and it will help you live better, if you are willing to do the work and look at yourself honestly.
   
   It's a quick read with much thought provoking insights on just abou every page. It is written very well.



4. This is not the best book to buy if you are just learning how to play poker (try Sklansky or Harrington), but if you are an advanced beginner or intermediate player, this book offers a whole new approach to the game that will radically improve your play. Most beginning players find themselves playing too many hands, and with disastrous results (hitting top pair with a weak kicker, or hitting second pair). This book's advice (Poker Rule #3) is that "If you've been folding a lot, for a long time in the game, and you're starting to think that maybe it's time you got in a played a few hands again... Keep folding." It counsels patience, emotional detachment, and selective confrontation. In a world of big egos, players on tilt, and WPT wannabees, this book will help you find a calmer, more profitable path.



5. Im not a big fan of poker books. They tend to be very dry and difficult to apply the specific theories to the game. This book is simply explains another way to look at the game. It is very easy to apply to the game after reading. It is mostly a book about folding and how to fold well. When youre folding well, youre playing well. Folding well implies betting well. The book states this much more clearly. Overall a great book for any poker player.

5 comments about The Bridge Player's Bible: Illustrated Strategies for Staying Ahead of the Game.

1. If you're a bridge player you know just how many bridge books are on the market today - but THE BRIDGE PLAYER'S BIBLE offers something different: over 300 examples of how to bid, play, and defend on a range of hands. You can learn strategies, rules, and approaches from key players' techniques and advice, from signals and valuation to planning and deceptive card playing. And each technique receives full illustration for easy learning for novices, too.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. The Bridge Player's Bible is a great reference source for the beginning to intermediate bridge player. The book is covers both bidding and the play of the hand. Hundreds of scenarios are covered, ranging from the most basic concepts like a preemptive three bid to more complicated concepts such as numerous types of squeeze plays.
   
   The book is very readable. Each page has two or three subsections, complete with very colorful illustrations and examples. Not only will most players benefit from reading the book from cover to cover, but the bible will continue to be a resource to check on your play and learn how various situations should have been played.
   
   Five stars.



3. I don't play bridge. My mother, who just turned 80, started playing a few weeks ago. She was studying these handouts that she got from the church's bridge club. I felt she needed a good reference book, with clear illustrations. English is not her first language, and I didn't want something too complicated and not easy to understand. Needless to say, she LOVES this book. Best gift I could have given her. People that have been playing a long time are quite impressed how fast she is learning the game and becoming an accomplished player in just a few weeks. If you're a beginner or advanced player, this book is a must have for your library. Or if you know someone who likes to play, this book will make a Great gift too!



4. I believe this book is one of the best bridge books I have ever looked into, and I have read or scanned many. My highest recommendation. I bought three.



5. Well organized and quite cnmplete, this is aa terrific "bible" to have by the bridge table. When we discuss how a hand was bid or played, this becames an invaluable aid.
   Too complex for the beginner.

3 comments about Tabletalk Conversation Cards.

1. This product is a great idea for those folks who find it difficult to start conversations. Pick one card, and the topic most often leads to another topic, then another. Very handy and entertaining!



2. Great stuff-get back to when we were kids and have the family dinner, what a fun way to do it! Highly recommend for any age children.



3. We loved this travel size table topics. I leave it in my purse and we use it at restaruants to keep the kids entertained. We love it!

5 comments about Play Poker Like the Pros.

1. Do NOT buy this book. I made that mistake but you don't need to!
   
   This book doesn't really teach you anything significant. Phil talks about how much he has won and how good he is and shows you some animal pictures sitting at a internet poker table. Then on the next line he says that you should read the other players body language. Over the internet?! He doesn't even know what he's talking about.



2. I read some books about poker but this one is simply great.it tells you how to play to be successful and i really enjoyed it. i recommend this book for every player. When you will read it you will really be a better player!!



3. Phil Helmuth is as annoying in his writing as he is around a poker table. The book is part infomercial for various preferred casinos and web sites, part instructional manual for novice to intermediate players, but mostly a vehicle for Phil's ego. Hardly a page goes by without Phil reminding us what a great poker player he is. A psychologist could have a field day w/ his overinflated ego. As far as the content on poker play goes, it's better than most books for novices on the subject.



4. A great overview and basic skill training and up to advanced learning. Well worth the money because this book will improve your skills no matter what level you already play on



5. Dont want to say too much, but this book is awful, lost a lot of money after reading this book (I was a beginner) Invest in anything Sklansky written, as after reading them i won it all back and more and are now quite successfull on the lower limits
   
   HELMUTH IS A JOKE! AND NOT A VERY FUNNY ONE AT THAT!
   
   This book was designed to help people loose

5 comments about The Original Wizard Card Game.

1. AS a family we have played this game many times. It's fun for ages 8-80. The rules are simple and easy to follow. One does not have to be a card shark to enjoy this and it works for any number of players from 3 to 6. I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy having family around the table.



2. This is a fun game. The strategy changes a lot based on the number of people playing. It is like Hearts, but less frustrating to those of us without much luck.



3. This is a fun card game especially for families with older children (10 and up). It's a trump game that requires concentration and confidence, but not difficult like bridge.



4. Wizard Deluxe Edition Card GameThis is a great game with no sure winners. It has become our favorite game for our RV group. It is easy but competitive. Probably good for kids but great for adults



5. I bought this game to suplement a Spades group I run. When we have 6 people, 2 have to sit out while the others play. So now with Wizard accomodating anywhere from 3 to 6, I can have everyone play, no matter how many people! We've had 18 playing - 12 at Spades, and 6 at Wizard. It's a lot of fun.