5 comments about Blackjack For Blood: The Card-Counters' Bible, and Complete Winning Guide.

1. The bind quality of this book is not up to standard, appon reading a couple of the pages just came loose.
   The content however is far more substantial and makes one a believer in his Omega II system.
   Not a especially easy system due to the necessity of the ace side count (not ace reconed) it is more powerful than most systems in simulations.



2. EXCELENTE LIBRO DE FACIL COMPRENSION PARA PERSONAS QUE NO HABLAN EL INGLES, EL ENVIO RAPIDO LLGA EN BUENAS CONDICIONES Y SIN PROBLEMA ALGUNO EN LA COIMPRA DESCAHO Y RECEPCION



3. As a book, this is a great read. Bryce highlights the Omega II count system, and also tells a great series of stories along the way. There are sections on cover, what to do when backed off a table, and alternative advantage methods.
   
   I don't know if this is the best system, from a pure card counting standpoint. It's a level 2, with an ace tracking component, which is a bit of brain work. On the other hand, if you are a serious blackjack player, this book is a great resource on many levels.



4. This book gives an excellent overview of the game of blackjack and an explanation of how to use a powerful counting system, including many index numbers. I've used this system for single-deck games for several years and, for someone who truly knows what they're doing (if you are at all uncertain as to whether or not you fit into this category, you are not in it) this book is literally worth its weight in gold. Make that platinum.
   
   Several of the reviews posted here may lead a person to believe that card counting is easy money. I would caution anyone that it is not as simple as reading a book on a flight to Vegas. Blackjack just doesn't work that way. There is a lot more to consistently beating the game than reading one book, or even ten books. Counting is the easy part, getting away with it in casinos over the long term is a whole different ball game.



5. This book makes it simple to follow the basics and then more advanced techniques of counting. The author understands the risks in this and alerts people to many, most i wasn't even aware of. He also uses a brief history of the game and his personal stories to make the book more interesting than just 'memerize this or that'. The process is easy to follow, the information is easy to grasp as long as you practice it. If you think you're interested in trying this, the worst is that you become a MUCH better basic blackjack player, the best is that you master the basic and advanced systems and start making money. After studing for 2 months in Iraq, my first stop home is Atlantic City, wish me luck. Thanks to Bryce Carlson for the great read!!!

5 comments about Kill Phil: The Fast Track to Success in No-Limit Hold 'em Poker Tournaments.

1. I found this book very interesting. Not a bible, however, an interesting read that may well help me in future, I don't think it's the ultimate info, but another piece of artillary!
   
   Like all 'how to' books, no one, no one would give up 'the nuts' of a system. They would keep it too themselves!



2. The first time I used the strategy in this book, I won a 180 player tournament. Hard to argue with those results!



3. While reading this book, the reviews, online message boards, and playing constant online tourneys, it has occurred to me that there's a very important concept here. Namely, is there a mathematical basis for going all-in anytime you deside to play a hand?
   
   I can see how these ideas were derived. For instance, suppose I have AK, and you have QJ, well since the status quo is for me to win, if neither of us improve, I'll win. On the other hand, IF you pair Q or J and I don't pair A or K, then you'll win. The same is true whether or not you hold 8 5. Also, obviously, if either of us draw to a straight or a flush we'll win, but if we both do, I'll win. And so on.
   
   So, I can see how there might be some logic to going all-in with 8 5 as easy as one would go all-in with AJ. But here's where it comes back to reality. Even though it's true that if no one has a pair we both have the same odds of pairing something, that doesn't mean that the better hands won't win in the long run.
   
   It just throws a giant monkey wrench into the picture in the short run.
   
   So, what's the moral of my message? This book presents a legitimate point describing a way to try and win a tournament. Whether or not it works is debatable, so go ahead and try it if you like.
   
   I think the better players will come out on top anyway, and shouldn't be so quick to condemn this method.



4. I found the information contained in Kill Phil useful & productive.
   It can provide another weapon in the arsenal of a serious poker player.
   No system of play can substitute for hours of practice, lots of reading,
   and constantly striving for improvement in your game. I experimented with Kill Phil in the recent WSOP Ladies circuit event in Tunica and went from placing 27th last year to placing 18th this year. Aside from the basic Kill Phil system, the book contains advice & a tournament overview
   from two people who have been there. Of the many poker books I have read,
   I found this one very worthwhile!



5. It's a very good book for amauter players so they will start to learn how no limit texas holdem is been played. Also there are some advanced strategies later at the book. For advanced players I suggest Kill Everyone

5 comments about Winning Low-Limit Hold'em.

1. I'll cut to the part everyone needs to know (with a shocking piece of evidence contained below): this book is full of wishy-washy theoretical and contradictory advice. It's appalling how on a few occasions Jones nonchalantly explains how his view of such-and-such has reversed since the last edition (so, he was wrong then, but now he's right?) All editions have gotten rave reviews. So whenever he is right or wrong, most readers have been praising either way. Usually these jarring swings of his perspective are insultingly supported by almost nothing of substance (keeping well to the theme of his writing style).
   
   I'd like to point out that this is from the writer's THIRD "edition". It seems up until now (or maybe even until further editions), previous owners of the book have merely been paying for drafts, as Jones continues his research and learns poker well enough that he can write an edition with CORRECT advice. It feels like a beta version of a software, released too soon to the public, unjustified in it's retail price.
   
   Now for the shocking evidence, straight from the pages of the third edition.
   The context: Jones is explaining the situation where a pair comes in the flop, in this case 8s. He writes on page 99:
   "...many players are willing to play almost any two cards, so it's hard to figure out the probability of somebody having an 8."
   Only TWO PAGES LATER on 101 he has amnesia and contradicts himself:
   "in a nine-person game, if you see two eights on the flop...there is a 40% chance that nobody at the table was dealt an 8".
   
   How these oversights and contradictions weren't noticed by the hundreds of other praising reviewers, I don't know. Flaws like this make me question the source.
   I believe, as others have pointed out, that most of the (standard) advice in this book is good. The parts that are not good, or missing, may make a decent player into a losing one. You will learn WHAT to do (according to the author), but at the peril of not understanding WHY (as he never sees it important to explain most of it). Until Jones finishes his self-education on poker... and on writing, I will take his advice with a grain of salt.



2. One of the first poker books I ever bought, six years ago, was the first edition of this book. Now it has been updated a couple of times and has definitely improved. The preflop standards are pretty tight, and this will pay off under the proper conditions.
   It seems that limit Hold-em games are slowly dying out online. They seem to be tightening up little by little, as well. But if you take advantage of the best rakeback programs (where you get a piece of the rake, whether you put money into the pot on that hand or not), and if you play tight preflop as recommended in this book, you should make a solid income with very little risk. I originally built my bankroll using the advice in this book, but have switched to the no-limit sit and goes now because they are so juicy. Limit tables are tougher to find now, especially during non-peak hours. Still, if you are just starting out at poker, and want to build your bankroll with minimal risk, I suggest you buy this book. But buy the most recent edition! There have been substantial changes.



3. This is a solid book on poker. The book assumes that you know how to play poker - and focuses on teaching you the strategies to use to beat opponents. Everything you need to know is here - in an understable form. I recommend this book.
   --- Glenn G. Thater - Author of 'Harbinger of Doom'.



4. In a sea of poker books this stands tall as the best introduction and strategy to the most popular poker game of them all Holdem.
   
   This book is the first step on the journey to becoming a winning poker player.



5. I started playing Texas Hold 'em about a month ago. I consistently lost money until I started reading this book. Now I'm winning consistently, and I'm only halfway through it. I don't mind the term "low-limit" being considered synonymous with "beginner-level," because that is what I am. I play 10¢/20¢ tables online right now. I "graduated" from 1¢/2¢, then 2¢/4¢. Next month I hope to hit the 25¢/50¢ tables.
   
   The point is that I haven't deposited a penny from my bank account since I began reading and applying the words of Lee Jones.
   
   The two best pieces of advice I could possibly give to a new player are to read this book, and never sit at a table with more than 10% - 20% of your money. If you can't afford to lose and have another five or 10 chances to play again another day, you're giving your money away to people like me. This may mean playing for pennies (like I do). Don't feel low-class. Let the bad players build your bankroll to prepare you for the big tables -- not your paycheck.
   
   I guarantee I will re-read this book enough that I'll want another copy -- so I just placed one in my Amazon cart. I hesitated to write a review at all -- thinking that I could only help other people take my money. Then I realized that there are already a ton of positive reviews, and I'm still winning barely a month into the game. So if you're smart enough to actually read a book instead of watching tournament play for your poker education, good for you. I hope to see you winning at the next table over.

5 comments about Hoyle's Rules of Games, Third Revised and Updated Edition.

1. I first bought this book about 20 years ago. It is an excellent reference especially now that our children are of age to play advanced card games. I was looking for some new games to learn several years ago, and discovered what has become one of our favorites, Oh Hell. This book is essential if you play cards. Also included is good reference for various board games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, and some fun games for young kids.



2. Very Informative on many games. Good refresher for those that need a review of games we used to play but can't remember the complete rules.



3. Hoyle's Rules of Games, Third Revised and Updated Edition
   
   There are easier to understand and more up-to-date descriptions of gameplay for most of the more popular games on the internet. The book is particularly weak on diagrams, which simplify understanding of many of the games tremendously. I would consider this book to be useful as supplementary information only; it would not be my first choice for learning a new game from scratch.



4. Book is NOT user friendly, did not help me learn the game of Hearts...book is written to those that already know more than I do and my friend agreed.



5. This book has come in handy many a card game night when rules are questioned. Great reference, the best I've found, very complete.

5 comments about The Bookmaker: A Memoir of Money, Luck, and Family from the Utopian Outskirts of New York City.

1. I'm a big fan of the memoir, and this is as good as any that I've read. It's more ambitious for one thing. How many writers take on such topics as class, race, politics, and religion? Not many. Those are all the topics you're not supposed to talk about in polite company. But this writer, although he's writing about his Bronx family, has bigger ideas on his mind and he addresses them sometimes with force, sometimes with well-channeled anger, and sometimes with utter compassion. It's all done with great subtlety. But this is a rewarding read. My only complaint would be the title: there's not much about being a bookie, which is fine by me, as I don't care about the in-and-outs of gambling or sports.



2. This is a terrific book, a memoir that is as rich as a novel, with great originality in the writing. It's the writer's first book and he has a strong voice. It doesn't have a plot per se, but its chronological approach is equally as absorbing. The Bookmaker of the title is not the writer but the writer's father, who did some sports gambling as a second job. I know nothing about sports or gambling but that didn't hinder the reading experience at all for me. That's a small part of it. It's about a parent striving for more for his son. And as someone who is part Italian (and am bothered by the same persistent stereotypes that define the American experience) I was glad the writer acknowledges those stereotypes in a sly way and then completely upends them. Bravo.



3. Agovino, unlike so many first-person writers, uses the trees to evoke the forest--the human forest we all inhabit--rather than make it "all about me." Doesn't matter if you care about gambling dads, coming of age stories, the 70s, or NYC past or present, you still end up on the inside looking out. You can't not connect.



4. Although the memoir is primarily about the acceptance/forgiveness of a loved one whose addiction rules/ruins the roost, I enjoyed the local boy makes good aspect. So many NYC success stories revolve around people who've come to the "big city" from somewhere far away and how they make it here...so they can make it any where. This book shows that we natives have a time of it trying to make it here as well. The way the dialogue recalled from childhood just shows up in italics is brilliant. His parents are interesting for just being regular people trying their best; and even though there are no Godfather-esque moments, the way these people lived -- eviction notices on the door one minute, heading off for a European vacation the next -- is mind boggling and head spinning. I just had to keep reading. The Bookmaker hits the trifecta: funny, infuriating, poignant.



5. I grew up in Co-Op City during the exact same time Agovino did, so reading this story was fascinating and nostalgic for me. Gun Hill Road, the QBX1, Truman High School, the demographic expansion and then ultimate contraction of the neighborhood were all vividly described.
   
   This book, in many ways, is similar to Al Lubrano's "Limbo." I recommend it to anyone who grew up in a blue-collar family in the outer boroughs of New York City during the 1970's and 1980's. Great job Michael, the first one is always the hardest and you nailed it! Way to go.

5 comments about Texas Hold'em Odds and Probabilities: Limit, No-Limit, and Tournament Strategies.

1. This book will boggle your mind in the beginning with terms and number crunching that probably will need a second or third reading to fully digest ... That is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you don't get frustrated trying to get the the 'meat' of the book. The book gets rolling with more 'advice' and good scenarios from the middle to the end ... although the author does favor certain types of hands. I would not recommend this as a first read for a novice player, but is a good addition to gain this author's prespective on the game.



2. Looks like a good book. I have not made it through the whole thing yet, but I can definitely recommend this vendor.



3. Unless you're a math genius or your name is Chris Ferguson, you need this book.
   
   Top-to-bottom odds and probabilities for limit and no-limit hold'em.
   
   Loaded with charts and explanations. I purchased this book after seeing the charts in the back of the book ... unlike any I've seen elsewhere. You can't go wrong with this book ... it's one of my top favorites.



4. If you had trouble with math in grade school, then this book may be just right for you. But I personally found it was too elementary. Come on--do you really need to explain how to add fractions and how to convert 1/3 to decimals? If you are THAT math-challenged, you probably can't count outs either! By spending so much time on remedial arithmetic, he doesn't cover a lot of ground.
   
   If you've never heard of implied odds and don't have a clue how to size your bets, then by all means buy this book. For anyone who has read one or two poker books, this stuff is too basic--and nothing is new.



5. I previewed this book before I bought it and it seemed like a good value and now that I have it, I still feel that way. The poor reviews from other customers must be from know it alls because unlike many poker titles, it delivers exactly what it says.
   
   If you already know the odds then you dont need this, but I already knew how to calculate with the 2-4 method but it expands on that to add implied odds, and douts. Thats how far I am into this book so far, and I expect the rest of it to be worth the time to read it and the cost.
   
   Do not be misled by the haters. If you are shopping for a book on the subject of texas holdem odds, I would say its worth it. Many poker books are convoluted and this one is perfectly readable. So the people who said it is too basic might be fans of the convoluted books that I dont fully understand, but I found this book useful to re-enforce what I already knew and to help me expand on that knowledge.
   
   Last comment, the book wasnt the holy grail that I couldnt live without, but it definitely gave me a deeper understanding of the subject and I would certainly reccomend it.

5 comments about Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution! How to Win at Craps Using a Controlled Dice Throw!.

1. I like this book, it had the information I wanted to learn. I also bought "Get the Edge at Craps by Sharpshooter" because I always like to get several opinions on the same subject to make up my own mind on what to believe. They both contain basically the same information except "Get the Edge" goes into the mathematical formulas of physics a lot deeper. I like the writing style better in this book.
   
   It boils down to this, if you want to learn how to throw the dice and learn from the best out there, get this book.
   
   If you want to impress your friends by punching numbers in your calculator to show the probabilities of physics then get the other one.
   
   In my opinion you only need one book and this is it. Plus it goes over all the rules and betting so you don't need another book on learning how to play either.
   
   This is the only book you need on Craps.



2. I blazed through this book in a day. It's a solid read, but definitely a little longer than it needs to be, as a lot of stuff becomes redundant as you move along. I also thought the learning sections could've been organized a little better, but admittedly, I may just be splitting hairs with that one (I think my conclusion is I would've enjoyed the DVD more - except it's really expensive.
   
   Anyone who is reading this book with hopes of becoming an instant craps whiz better look elsewhere. This book preaches hard work, focus, meditation, among many other things. If you truly believe that this works (I'm a bit skeptical myself, but hey, that's why Frank would call me a "Random Shooter!"), then this will give you all the tools you need to go forth. But if you're sincerely interested in "breaking Vegas" via craps, then this book will show you how to get started.



3. My cousins and I were at a casino in Tunica losing big time. He usually has a good run so I was betting away on his rolls. He would pick up the dice, blow on them, say a prayer, kiss his nuckles, and go through a whole ritual before shooting. He's what Frank would call a "gambler." One of the dealers asked if we had ever heard of the Dominator, neither of us had. He said, "try reading the Dominator before coming down here again." I read this book on a Thursday and went to the casino that Friday night. Did I try to become an overnight controlled shooter? Heck no, I stood at the table for about 20 minutes until I found someone that was. I walked away happy that night.
   
   I believe in the techniques, and have been practicing them myself, but have yet to try my novice skills at the casino. I'm ordering a makeshift golden touch craps table that I found on Ebay.



4. It's a good read but I've tried to do the dice setting but yet to see it work. well written book though.



5. This book needs no intro. Covers the aspects of dice control, trouble-shooting and goes further with some wager tactics. It contains not only the words of Frank Scoblete, but also of other great and known shooters.
   
   The main objective here (obviously) is dice control. But I was actually happy when I saw several wagering approaches. There are books that cost a lot and are about progression build ups on a hot roll. Well, there's a small 6 step 6-8 press that has become a favorite I committed to memory with no question or doubt. A work of art that puts you in a zone of safety after 2 hits on either number.
   
   Not much more to say. It is what it is and you get more than you pay for. The expense is small and can always serve as an excellent point of reference.
   
   hkb

5 comments about The Poker Tournament Formula.

1. Being a avid poker player since 2003 I have experimented with differant types of tourney styles and recently put poker tournament formula to the test,against a variety of other styles including,gus hansen,dan harrington,a generic consertative aggressive approach,and my own hybrid style say to speak.
   I was not biased in any style as I have all the books on each player.I played 10 $5 multi table tourneys using each style on ultimate bet.I kept up with each win and loss on microsoft excel.Here are the results:
   All styles were in the negative except 3 styles which were positive they are Gus hansen positive $30.00 Dan Harrington positive $122.00 and poker tournament formula positve $243.00
   I know this is only a 10 tourney test and really about 100 games should be played out to get a more accurate account,but those were the short term results.To be honest with you my fellow poker players I started out as a Dan Harrington Disciple,but it always felt like something was missing no sizzle to the steak so to speak.Poker tournament formula definetely fills in that gap.Also I generally feel more comfortable playing the PTF system than harringtons due also to the fact that it is actually more simply to follow and laid out for you practically in the book as with harringtons you have to piece it all together.Only more test will tell but this style is definetely looking good for the small fast tournaments.



2. I call this book an 'underground' poker classic because it is deeply underappreciated in the poker world. I write a monthly column for one of the largest poker magazine, and in my opinion, it is the single best book for explaining winning tournament strategy...AGGRESSION. The reason aggression is the winning strategy is that a hold'em players greatest weapon at any time is Folding Equity. Meaning your ability to control your raises, and the probability your opponent will lay down their hand. The main problem I see is that the aggressive style does not fit everyone's personality, but if you want a crash course on tournament aggression, this is the book for you.



3. this author teaches some very interesting concepts that defy most the other advice you'll run across. My game has vastly improved due to his stratagies. Big Stuff... and a must read for all NL Holdem Tournament players, new or experienced!!!



4. Often people buy a poker book and feel that they must play in that style. My views are a little different. Read this book to understand your opponent as well. You may choose to not play in this style but understand that there will be people who will. Understand the ideas behind the book and you will be better prepared against someone who plays this style. I have used this style in low buy tmts and if you notice the style of your opponents you can amass alot of chips. Like Snyder says, I used to find myself quickly getting short stacked. I would wait for a premium hand and when I got one my chip stack wouldn't be large enough to scare anyone away and subsequently lose my stack to a much larger one (who could afford to play an inferior hand and suck out). But with a larger stack (from getting more chips in positional plays) players were less likely to play against me and therefore making my stack larger. It also allowed me to withstand a bad beat. One bad beat doesn't knock you out. This is a poker book that makes you think about your game and the game of poker in general and that is always a good thing. If you like reading about poker I highly recomend this book.



5. Ive bought and read many different poker stratagy guides, but this is the first one to pay off.. I was entering one $25.00 tourny a week, and never placing. After reading this, the first tourny i got 24th out of 223. Unfortunatly they only paid the top 20. Next i got 13th out of 67. Again just short as they paid top 9.
   
   The third tourny hit. Not only did i cash, i actually won. I took home $600 for first place after a final table split. Then 2 tournys later, 3rd for another $200. Dont even think, just get this book. His stratagies for Chip, Placement and Card play are invaluable.

5 comments about Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win.

1. Having played Mah for about five years, I purchased this book as a gift for some folks who are just learning the game...and I am teaching them. I thought the book was excellent in all respects. The book is easy to read and in reading I once again realized what great teachers I had because I learned the game by osmosis. Thanks Elaine Sandberg!



2. This is an excellent book for beginners and great for those who have been taught by others but need more insight into the correct procedures of playing the game. The print is large, the color of the tiles is clear, and the format is such that each step is clearly understood. Exercises are given to help a person experience what is written. At the end of each section is a quiz to determine how well the material was absorbed. I highly recommend this book for an easy explanation of the game and the rules.



3. This was an excellent introduction to American Mah Jongg. It was clear and gave me the ability to start playing right away. The exercises helped me understand the concpets and answered all of my questions as they came up. I highly recommend this book for someone starting to learn the game or for a refresher for those that haven't played in a long time.



4. This is a book I borrowed from a friend, and found I needed a copy for myself. It is written in simple language geared for the beginners - intermediate players. I often go back and reread if I have a problem.



5. I recently purchased American Mah Jongg book with two goals in mind. My first goal was to refresh myself, since I have not played for several years. The other goal was to teach my friends how to play in a manner that is easy, informative and fun. The Mah Jongg book is written in an easy format, provides history and actually provides me with order to how I teach the game. A Great Buy!

5 comments about Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America.

1. Since I am a standardbred trainer I can relate to this book. I also think that everyone can understand and like reading a part of sports history. It is very well written and a very interesting story.



2. I was really looking forward to reading the book, Crazy Good but I just finished it and was disappointed. Oh, not in Dan Patch-a remarkable horse- but in the way the story was told. This is no Seabiscuit of a story. While it has a lot of stats it has much less heart. What I did get from the book was an insight into how cruel the world of racing is. Doping horses was as prevalent then as it is now and no matter how well a horse may be housed, ex-Barbaro, in the end it's all about the money.



3. Very well written, with a some really good, sly humor, and plenty of interesting details. Enjoyed it.



4. Excellent book on an important part of Americana. His legend should never be forgotten. A true sports hero.



5. This book was a big hit and because of the hero story content (little, unlikely guy wins) it is endearing. Though a bit strangely written, lacking in prosaic talent and somewhat dry at times, there are moments of humour and the details are extensive. It could have been condensed, but the heart of the story leaves a lasting impression.