5 comments about Secrets the Pros Won't Tell You About Winning at Hold'em Poker: About Winning Hold'em Poker.

1. 
   "Secrets the Pros Won't Tell You" is a first-rate insider's guide to all the essential components of winning poker play. Comprehensive and easy to understand, this book is loaded with smart advice that can make a major difference in your game. Everything you need to gain a solid understanding of poker is here --- from strategic basics, to more advanced tactics, table image, money management, tournament play, calculating odds, and more. For anyone who wants to start winning money at poker, or simply win more, this book is a great place to begin.



2. If knowing the correct starting hands to play was all it took to play winning poker, we would all be winning players. This book goes into detail on playing your opponents, in spite of and because of the two cards in your starting hand.
   
   The best chapter, in my opinion, is the one titled Minimal Math. It was also the hardest. I had to read it several time. However, at the conclusion I had a good understanding of how the math works, and how I could apply it to each hand I play; in effect, having the mechanics to play high percentage poker.
   
   A lot of the points in the book were not secrets. They had been mentioned in other poker books I have read. What made this book good study material is that the authors did not merely "mention" playing tips; they gave clear explanations as to why the pros play the way they do.
   
   For me, the book is well worth the time involved in reading it. It is not light reading. It is a text book for serious poker study.



3. As I read some of the other reviews of this great book I was amazed - I guess they didn't read the same book I did. This book has made a huge difference in the way I play, how often I win and most importantly how much I enjoy the game.
   
   If you want to win and enjoy the process this is a must read.



4. this is a worthwhile book to read if one is a beginner, or interested in some casual reading to supplement other material. but the title is hilarious. not only does the book contain almost no information that is not fairly basic or remotely "secretive," but there are numerous hold em books out there that are far superior, and that do contain far more insightful type information that perhaps not as many players might be aware of, that pros are.
   
   there is one particular line in this book, which, although very commonly reiterated, represents very poor, and lazy, logic. "most large online sites have their random number generator audited by major accounting firms and mathematical consulting firms. any of them would be crazy to maximize their short term gain when they are making plenty of money on the up and up."
   
   first, the authors are a bit generous with their use of the word "major" before accounting and mathematical consulting firms. second, this reviewer has actually read some of the reports produced by these so called "major accounting" firms. it is not just the fact that they are extremely flawed that makes this a considerably larger question than many seem to wish to presume, but the fact that this has gone largely unnoticed and unquestioned, as well. that is, some firm, somewhere, writes some abstract formulation stating that the hands are completely random, and it becomes the accepted law of the land. yet the reports this reviewer read barely touched the surface of this complicated question, which goes far beyond the overly simplistic issue of whether over a several million hand sample, the "statistically reasonable" number of overall winning hands follows a statistically reasonable distribution pattern.
   
   the authors reprint, with "permission" (which they go overboard to point out, as if that was needed in this instance) the online site pokerstars' public statement that "to ensure this and avoid major problems we use two independent sources of truly random data: user input, including summary of mouse movements and events timing, collected from client software........."
   
   how are user mouse movements and events timing truly random? more importantly, why in fact should anything to do with user input (such as mouse, keyboard, timing movements, etc.), whether it be theoretically random or not, have anything whatsoever to do with the continual ongoing shuffle of cards? (in online poker, unlike live, the deck is smartly reshuffled after each card, which does not affect overall randomness, and is a necessary precaution to prevent hackability). whatever affects, controls or otherwise is used as input for the random shuffle, should have nothing whatsoever to do with anything associated with those involved with the usage of the cards (in this place, the players), or any other exogenous events, for that matter.
   
   presumably there is a sound theoretical explanation for this, but it is hard to find. in combination with the atrociously simplistic and barely surface skimming "major" company reports "verifying" complete randomness, and the rather unquestioning faith in it (perhaps bolstered by the otherwise irrelevant presumption that so many randomness doubters are in fact simply poor players who lack the objectivity to recognize the variance inherent in the game), far more questions are raised than are answered. but the prevalent unthinking attitude, such as this printed in a full length book on poker strategy, tends to slam the door on critical analysis, and simply render all questioning, whether reasoned and legitimate, or mere griping over poor luck, as one and the same.
   
   the second sentence by the authors', again although a fairly common assertion, is roundly illogical. that is, that the sites would be "crazy to maximize their short term gain...." in fact, often the general assertion that the authors play off of here is even worse, with many others (although not so often in book form) stating that there would be little or no benefit at all.
   
   first, examine the potential benefit. the sites make money by hands played per hour, and the percentage of hands that reach the maximum rake size. the more playable situations, the more this would be achieved.
   
   more importantly, poker is an unforgiving game. live, this is of little import, as one can only play one game at a time, the games tend to be slow, and one usually needs to travel (for many people, this means hundreds of miles) to play them. online, one needs to travel 20 feet. (the profound implications of the difference between twenty feet and many miles can not, as many online players wells know, be overstated, by the way). the games are often more than twice as fast, constantly available, and, one can play multiple tables at the same time (which the sites often understandably promote, through the use of frequent player points and the like). variance averaging which would occur over months if not years live, can sometimes be reduced to weeks, if not a few days, online.
   
   phil helmuth; "poker is 100 percent skill, and 50 percent luck." without excessive amounts of play over x period of time, that luck factor offers a level of protection to some players. this fades online, particulary as players play more, or above the nickel dime stakes (both of which are greatly in the sites' interests). there are a number of players who simply do not understand enough of the basics of the game, who, playing the amount that they do, would and should be losing whatever their available bankroll is to play, quite quickly. one could argue that, observationally, they don't. or, logicallly, whether they do or they don't, that it would be in the interests of the sites that they don't, as these hordes would then have to cease playing, simply play much less, or play much lower (and far less profitable) stakes. the end result in revenue differential could be quite substantial.
   
   to say that a company would be crazy to maximize this, when companies are charged with maximizing profits, is a bit of a crazy statement itself. however, sometimes maximizing profits means long term profits as well, so how does this balance out? first, while poker seems here to stay, who knows how the landscape may change over the next few years, particularly online. secondly, an enormous profit now is usually worth far more than a potentially even larger overall long term profit.
   
   most importantly, what would be the ramifications to the companies? many players do not thoroughly 100 percent believe in true randomness online as it is (whether through paranoia, reason, suspicion, etc). yet many still play. more importantly, what if online play was not truly random, but did not specifically favor any player over another rather than certain unpredictable or at least mathematically incalculable long term play pattern combinations (even non randomness, actually, can be "random," in some sense, but that gets highly theoretical). the idea that this would destroy the companies' ability to attract players in the future, if known (let alone if intelligently and aggressively addressed from a public relations standpoint) is naive, to say the least.
   
   And this assertion makes the presumption that if incomplete randomness were the case, it would be fully known, and purposeful. these are also flawed assumptions. first, something could be built into the programs that few know about, with most of those in the industry who earnestly swear by its randomness, from their perspective, telling the truth, and often perhaps lacking the highly theoretical technical knowledge to fully understand what is a very complicated and difficult set of statistics questions. and second, and oddly often ignored altogether as a possibility (let alone perhaps even the more likely possibility) it may very well not be purposeful.
   
   regardless of the issue of knowledge or lack thereof, just how difficult are these questions? just a few decades ago, we could put a man on the moon. yet it is an accepted fact that we could not achieve or replicate complete manufactured "randomness." (can we now?). and randomness when the question has far more to do with just whether a full house hits 1 out of every 694 five card hand combinations, for example -- given the almost infinite multitude of factors that go into and various situations that comprise, hand play -- can be pretty complicated. yet all these so called "experts," and authors, like krieger, make presumptions otherwise.
   
   (incidentally, assuming that there are legitimate questions, the thinking person often questions why many of the same players still do well online, and, more importantly, the fact that many recognized "good players" do. however, such results would not be at all inconsistent, but the analysis is well beyond the purview of this review, which was merely to illustrate the lazy presumptiveness inherent in this promisingly titled book, regarding a far underanalyzed and important question regarding online poker play given the "sports'" (activity?) almost meteoric rise in visible popularity.)
   
   perhaps krieger and bykofsky can be expected to simply presume otherwise, since so many others do. but given their title, "secrets the pro's won't tell you," they raised the bar for themselves. and while the book is an okay read in its own right as a decent beginner review, when they venture into speculation, they are far far out of their field, let alone for those who claim to be divulging some great secret.



5. Lou Krieger and Sheree Bykofsky, Secrets the Pros Won't Tell You About Winning Hold'em Poker (Lyle Stuart, 2006)
   
   I'd have to disagree with this book's title; it should have actually been Secrets the Pros Have Kept Telling You About Winning Hold'em Poker, But That You Haven't Listened to Yet. Yes, there's a great deal of information here that you've heard before, but it won't do you any harm to hear it again. Is it worth shelling out the cash? I can't tell you that; it depends entirely on how much of this is new to you. Some of it might be. Take it out of the library and give it a whirl before you buy it, however. ***

4 comments about They Call Me Sparky.

1. As a lifelong Detroit Tiger fan and Michigan resident, the stories and messages that Sparky conveyed typify what the people of Detroit, Cincinnati, and Thousand Oaks California knew all along. Sparky is truly a class act who "walks the walk." His lessons and stories transcend baseball and touch upon something rare in professional sports: Class and Dignity.

   I can only speak for Detroit when I say that the Sparky that is portrayed in "They Call Me Sparky" is the same Sparky whose efforts with C.A.T.C.H. are still benefitting Children's Hospital.

   Any person who deals with people on a day to day basis can take away from this book many of the same interpersonal lessons taught in a Dale Carnegie course.




2. I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE THIS BOOK, BUT IT WASN'T WHAT I EXPECTED OR WANTED TO READ ABOUT. I WANTED TO READ ABOUT HIS GREAT CAREER IN BASBALL, BUT WHAT I GOT WAS OVER 200 PAGES OF WHAT A GREAT GUY SPARKY IS AND A LESSON IN HUMILITY, DIGNITY AND HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE IN GENERAL. SPARKY COMES ACROSS AS TRULY BEING A VERY SINCERE AND HONEST MAN. I BELIEVE HE REALLY IS A GOOD PERSON AND AND A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE. HE HAS DONE MUCH CHARITY WORK AND IS A VERY GIVING INDIVIDUAL. TO SPEND MUCH OF THE BOOK TELLING ABOUT THIS WAS NOT WHAT I BOUGHT IT FOR. IF YOU TRULY WANT TO FIND OUT ABOUT SPARKY THE PERSON THEN THIS IS FOR YOU. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT A LOT OF BASEBALL STORIES AND NOSTALGIA THEN YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.



3. Although Sparky and I come from totally different backgrounds (I am from the Dominican Republic and Sparky is from South Dakota) but the concept of treating everybody equal is universal but unfortunately not practiced by everyone. Some people talk about it others do it. Sparky does it!*The book is awesome and not just in baseball terms but in the every day life term. After reading this book, there is no doubt why Sparky is the best there ever was.

   *I got the opportunity to watch Sparky work his magic when I was a player in the Detroit organization. I am now a minor league manager and one day I want to be just like Sparky. Close at least! there is only one Sparky and I can only pray to be half of the man that he is. Very smart at his craft!!* Ironically I now live in South Dakota:)

   Sparky is coming to town this week and I cannot wait to get the opportunity to pick his brains...




4. I was very disappointed with this book. I love Sparky but I don't really need a lesson on how to treat people,Mom did a fine job with that. This book tells you very little about his amazing career. Instead Sparky tells you something on how to behave and then the author promptly repeats it. If you are trying to figure out how to raise a kid then by all means buy this book. If you are looking for information about Sparky's baseball career save your money.

5 comments about The Body Language of Poker: Mike Caro's Book of Tells.

1. This is a clever book that tends to take itself a bit too seriously. The pictures are great and there is a large bit of insight to be gained from this book. The best book for increasing your poker winnings? NO. Worth buying? Yes.



2. This book is bound to improve your game in at least two ways. First, other players will begin revealing their hands to you -- and you won't even have to pay to see them. Second, it will cause you to reevaluate your own actions (tells). Many players try to "tell" their opponents disinformation. However, Caro (and his readers) see right through this "first grade psychology", and find the real meaning in tells. Knowing what they look for is the first step in the process of getting rid of your own tells.



3. I use this book when I teach body language--kinesics. Any people watcher will love it and it is so true. Read it to keep from flashing your own tells.....johnnyhughes.com



4. This is a classic of poker literature, it's true, but I think it's overrated and ranks way down the list of essentials. There are at least 20 other poker books I would recommend before it. The problem is that applying the book's concepts is really a very nebulous business.



5. Caro's Book of Tells is essential to cracking a tough game.
   
   Mike Caro gives the reader an excellent insight into the psychology of poker and explains the meaning of opponents' actions and verbals. He unlocks the secrets to reading opponents perfectly and helps the reader understand how to remain "tell-less" when he/she is the one in the hot-seat.

   If you sit in an easy game, this book will transform you from being a consciencious winner to being a consistantly massive winner. This is no exaggeration!
   Also, if you sit in a tough game, Caro will give you a huge edge over those who haven't read the Book of Tells, and hence your profits will soar.

   [...] Anyone who reads the Book of Tells will earn back the cost price in their first hour at the tables after reading it: I certainly did.

   Caro's Book of Tells is essential reading for anyone attempting to achieve poker supremacy.
   It is a literary Goldmine that no player should be without.

5 comments about The Samonte Gambling System: Finally, a gambling system that works..

1. this book is poorly written, lots of grammatical errors, which makes it difficult to read. There is some interesting stories and author's opinions, but all this system is, is a simple progression. After winning 3 in a row, increase your bet by 1.5, etc., until you lose, then go back to one unit. Anyone who has tried this knows the choppy sequences will erase any profit. He talks about winning 16 hands in a row. How often does that happen? Almost never. Don't waste your money on this one.



2. I read the book, and I summarize it here so you can decide if it is for you. The author says it is a systematic way of beating the casinos. The system is composed of three elements: First is the choice of a game. It says that you play only on games with the least house edge and never play in sucker bets. His rationale: winning streaks occur less often and less long in sucker bets. (This makes sense to me.) The author then tells you the best bets (about half a dozen). Second, the system requires you to bet in simple progression: after winning 3 in a row, increase your bet by 1.5, etc., until you lose, then go back to one unit. (The author also offers variations.) His rationale: this progression maximizes your wins in the winnings sequences, but leaves you with minimal damage in the choppy sequences. (This makes sense to me too.) Third, the system tells you when to quit using some structured rules as the indicators. (The book says more.) The author has something interesting: after you win big, never quit immediately but wait till you lose 20% of your winnings.
   
   As I see it, this is actually a "hit and run" play used by the winners. I heard this play before but this guy is the first to make it a system. The idea is to strike the hot streaks with big bets and totally avoid those long cold streaks, making the few big wins cover the small losses with a net gain in extended playing. I say this play the casinos don't like: while they cannot make a big business from you, they could bleed in your extreme luck. (Sixteen wins in a row is rare but not impossible.) Any experienced winner will tell you that "hit and run" is the only way to win.
   
   However, this systematic "hit and run" play is not for everyone. The system requires you to have discipline, restrain, patient, valiance... qualities most gamblers don't have. This is for those who take winning as more important than "recreation" as the discipline hinders one from fully enjoying the game. If the shoe fits wear it. For those who are just curious of the ways of "hit and run" play, this book is still worth the investment. It is full of interesting experiences and valuable lessons gamblers at all levels can benefit from.



3. This book has all the ingredients to sell: interesting experiences of the author, a substance useful to its target readers, (making casino winning systematic) and on top is the absence of competition as gambling systems are usually sold through internet or mail order and not in books.
   
   When I tried this system, I just know I was doing things right. If you had tried your hunches and you still lose, then try this system. Use this system as the stepping stone, and after a few visits to the casinos, you modify it to fit your style. If grammar is your priority, this book may not be for you, but if you want a quick fix in your gambling, then you must have this book.



4. All that's said of the book's grammar errors, I still bought it hoping it got something for me. I'm glad I did. I'd been losing ever since and I'm tired. I'd been thinking there must be a way to beat the casinos. It's amazing how this "hit and run" play works for me. You just need discipline and not be greedy. My message is, try this system.



5. This book has a nice story but the stuff is a bit fluff. Makes it nice reading but that's it. I thought I would learn something different from what I have learnt. I am sticking to a winning system that I have. If you want to be a better, educated gambler and leave the casinos with good profit, paypal $35 to dimitrios_art@hotmail.com and you'll get the winning roulette system by email.

5 comments about Gambling's Greatest Secrets Revealed.

1. Very good systems for flat betting, also thru math shows you how to win in craps baccarat and roulette. Very good book



2. We've all seen the system where you double after a loss. Trouble is you will either run out of money or into the table limit. Benny has 3 systems unlike any you've seen before. You can use these at craps or roulette. Win by using flat bets only. A totally different concept. And it WORKS. Try it for yourself and see. Start WINNING for a change.



3. Highly recommended for everyone who has ever gambled or ready to
   give it a try for the first time.....!!



4. This is more of a scientific book than most craps books and delves into three systems rather heavily - The Flagship, The Advanced Flagship and the Point and Figure System. He talks about other stuff too, like deviation from equipartition, the zero bet, and his unique money management system. He also goes into how to lower the table bet limit, how to select your bet, how to track your play and a lot more. The write up said this originally sold for $99 so its certainly worth whatever you can get it for here - you'll learn a lot of little known methods and systems!



5. I am one of the original owners of this book when it was published back in 1994. I have used the system for over 14 years, and I am extremely pleased. The author presents several unique theories not presented in any other book on gambling. Do not pass this book up.

5 comments about Get the Edge at Blackjack (Scoblete, Frank. Get-the-Edge Guide.).

1. This book was recommended to me by a friend. Before reading the book I had never gambled before. That was soon to change. The book is incredably readable and even funny. The recounting of his stories concerning the "Act" had me in stitches, imagining him tipping chips all over the place. On a serious note the information is powerful stuff arming you with knowledge to earn yourself quite a tidy sum, if you stick to the rules. Marketing guys often have slogans like "This book will make you rich." It has never been more true than with this book. It is a gold mine. Thanks to John May I have earnt myself a tidy sum and shall continue to do so. Well done John May.



2. One of the best current books on the blackjack market today! I also recommend, Gregorian Strategy for multiple deck blackjack.



3. This book has some very basic discussion on card counting and hardly helpful. It discusses some "advanced techniques" such as "Card Steering", "Shadow Play" etc which requires a very weak dealer, a professional blackjack team, lots of bankroll and a casino without surveillance. Most of these "advantage play methods" are not author's own idea and these sounded more like gambling myths than facts. Do yourself a favor - Do not buy this book !



4. This is a entertaining and interesting manual of "how-to" methods to win money in casinos at blackjack. The range of subject material is quite impressive. Many ideas are a revelation-the author seems to have developed a method of winning by observing the pick-up and discard order of card sequences, for example, something I've never read about anywhere. Although I'm not a serious blackjack player-from what I can tell these ideas do seem to check out at the tables. If I was dumped in the middle of Las Vegas and told to make a fortune or die trying, then this is the one book I would take with me.
   
   What this book definitely isn't is another, basic strategy, count-cards and a few filler anecdotes book.



5. I m sorry to buy this book , i expect it has some ways to further cut edge , but it just point out a little all known and say too many rubbish word to make it become a book
   
   useless at all for beginner to expert

2 comments about Horse-Racing's Strangest Races: Extraordinary but True Stories from over 150 Years of Racing History (Strangest).

1. This book disappointed me somewhat due to two factors. First, nearly all of the races that are discussed are from the pre 1940 era of horse racing. I was looking for something a little more recent. Second, they are also primarily races from England. If you are interested in strange old races from England, buy this book. Otherwise, save your money.



2. This book was written and first published in Britain, so most of the races described happened in Britain, with only a few examples from elsewhere. Nevertheless, it is possible to enjoy the book wherever you are in the world - where they happened is irrelevant. Another point to note is that the book covers races spread over two centuries. Many of the strange things that happened during races in the nineteenth century just could not happen now because regulation is much tighter now.
   
   Among the more recent races covered are the Grand Nationals of 1993 (abandoned after a false start) and 1997 (delayed by two days because of a bomb hoax) as well as the day at Ascot when Frankie Dettori rode all seven winners - a case when the races individually were not strange, but the combination of results was noteworthy. But of all the modern races, my favorite is the stun gun case, concerning a horse that seemed all set to win at Royal Ascot when well clear, before suddenly swerving.
   
   The ancient races covered include (inevitably) the 1844 Epsom Derby, in which the winner was disqualified because he was a four year old (the race is for three year olds), the 1913 Epsom Derby, in which Emily Davison ran on to the course and was trampled to death by a horse, the 1962 Epsom Derby in which seven horses fell, the 1928 and 1967 Grand Nationals in which only one horse completed the course without mishap (Tipperary Tim and Foinavon respectively) and the 1956 Grand National in which Devon Loch collapsed within sight of winning.
   
   There are other Epsom Derbies and Grand Nationals here too, as well as many more modest races in which strange things happen, including where no horse wins and the race was declared void. A fair number of novelty races are also included. On a sad note, the Hong Kong disaster of 1918, in which the stands caught fire with the loss of 604 lives, is also covered - the worst sporting disaster in the world.
   
   Scandals are also represented. Quite apart from the 1844 Epsom Derby, these include Trodmore races 1898 (a fake race meeting) as well as Francasal in 1953 and Flockton Grey in 1982 (both cases of horse-swapping).
   
   Some of the races described are not strange at all. Star Appeal's victory in the Arc De Triomphe is included, but nothing strange happened, although he was (and still is) the longest priced winner of the race. There are other races whose inclusion could also be questioned, especially as others with more obvious claims have been omitted, like the race at Royal Ascot in the 1970's in which the first three horses past the post (all well clear of the fourth) were all disqualified for interfering with each other and the race given to the fourth horse. In the 1980's, the St Leger had to be switched to Ayr because of holes in the ground at Doncaster. This episode is not included either.
   
   Despite these reservations, inevitable with a book of this kind, this should provide plenty of amusement to horse racing fans everywhere. For those interested in other sports, be aware that this is one of a series covering a variety of sports including golf, motor racing, cricket and soccer.

1 comments about Full House.

1. I was lucky enough to get the ARC of this book and wanted to come and review it for others who are considering purchasing it.
   
   With story contributions by many of today's prominent YA authors, Pete Hautman puts them together in this collection of stories which have poker as the central theme.
   
   We have "Poker for the Complete Idiot" by KL Going which features a hot-shot kid who thinks that because his competitors live in a trailer park, they don't know the game. Watch for the fun twist in this one.
   
   "Dealing With the Devil" is about a man who tells the story of the night he -almost- ended up in a game of cards that could last an eternity.
   
   Then there is "The Scholarship Game" by Pete Hautman himself. A tale full of twists and turns that reads as if you were on a waterslide winding down and around. I won't give away any plot elements, you must read it for yourself.
   
   Plus there is the artwork and layout of the book, which is delightful. Each page looks like a giant card with page numbers and suits on both the top and bottom of each page which completes the immersion into the tales.
   
   Pick this one up, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

5 comments about Without Reservation: The Making of America's Most Powerful Indian Tribe and Foxwoods the World's Largest Casino.

1. Jeff Benedict, you have done some amazing research in putting your book together. My husband and I, FULL BLOODED NAVAJO INDIANS, even read the bibliography. Completely familiar with government issues, we can see how these non-Indians fell though the cracks to become what they are today. It is embarassing to hear people call themselves American Indian when they are not. Our people have 4 directions, have come through 4 worlds and have 4 sacred mountains, and to that effect, have 4 grandparents contributing to the culture of each of us. Past the 1/4 "blood quantum" one need not be considered a Navajo. The same should be true of all American Indian tribes. If you are 1/16 Indian, you are 15/16 something else. You cannot contribute to our people. You do not know what extreme poverty is like. Your "reservation" is to you a tax-free haven. Whereas ours is also tax free, it is for many a prison of unemployment, alcoholism, abuse and depression. I am not saying that you need to experience these things to be an American Indian, but you do need to understand what many of us come from and live through. I implore Congress to look into the geneology of these people. If these "Pequots" have made a false claim, I hope that they are made to return what they have wrongfully taken.



2. As a writer I was at Foxwoods on that day in February '92 when they opened their doors, covering the event for WIN Magazine. As a poker player living an hour away I have been there countless times since. I thought I knew more than most people do about Foxwoods, but this book opened my eyes quite a bit. Is it all true? Or even largely true? I will wait until another "tell all" surfaces to decide. In the meantime this is a fascinating read about an incredible happening, both in gambling and in government. If Benedict writes a sequal, or a new edition of the original, I would appreciate better documentation . . . particularly where he quotes people or tells us what they are "thinking".



3. When I tell people I live 25 miles from the worlds largest casino they think I must live in NJ or Nevada. No. Right here is Connecticut the Pequot nation has built a facility that is really hard to believe.

   This beautiful structure seeps out of the earth and towers over the surrounding hills. It is pretty. It is unique. It is a smashing success. But everyone in CT wondered and now everyone everywhere wonders if this business is legit or not. Jeff Benedict has certainly planted a seed of doubt in this book.

   Although much of the book is bogged down with more details than you may want to know the basics are pretty easy to understand. Are they really Indians? Do they deserve what they have? Can it happen in other places? Who knows.

   The Mashantucket Pequot tribe has a reservation of some 2000 acres. Twenty years ago this area was woods. But can a group of self proclaimed Indians claim this area and build what has become the largest casino in the world? Yes because they did it. But how it happened will probably infuriate you. A collection of screw ups, political favors, politicians with no sense of ethics and fear of turning down yet another minority group finally got the Pequots what they want.

   Read this and other books about Ledyard CT to be totally disillusioned with government on a local and federal level.




4. An absolute tour de force!!

   If you really want to see how "our" government really works, you owe it to yourself to read Mr. Benedict's book.

   An historical account, full of details and documentation, of how a number of imposters, steadfastly supported by negligent and naive legilators and judges were able to create an enterprise that just boggles the mind.

   I dare anyone to read this book and walk away with anything but disgust over how State and Federal governments operate. I defy anyone to believe that the Ledyard Pequots have any right to claim they are a tribe, based on clear criteria described by the Federal Government but never applied in this case.

   Kudos to Mr. Benedict on this masterpiece.




5. I play poker at Foxwoods. I'm glad it exists and that Skip Hayward was successful in his deceptive efforts to build this casino. So I'm biased.
   Jeff Benedict does an excellent job of explaining the history of Foxwoods and the tribe that formed it. It is, to be sure, not a complete tale, however, as there are clear gaps in the narrative. The "founder" of Foxwoods, Skip Hayward, clearly has a story to tell about his tribe. It's omission is a glaring one. Benedict explains this by noting that Hayward refused to be interviewed. Even so, I wanted some greater balance in the telling of the tale. It left me curious about the other side of the story.
   The bottom line is that Benedict does an excellent job of telling the story of Foxwoods conception that rests dirty and unseen beneath the glitz, the profit and the popularity. he tells it in an engaging and persuasive manner. Now, when I sit for hours playing poker I have something to think about other than the folded cards.

4 comments about Off the Charts: Turning Result Charts into Profitable Selections at the Track.

1. A concise study of relevant information to any horse
   player. An easy read which simply and clearly covers
   the ways to use result charts for finding future
   winners.



2. Far too simplistic. A good overview for a first-time horse player. It had a few good points not much on text though. Content was rather weak. Seen far better publications than this from the DRF.



3. I bought Nick Borg's book back in May of this year and I must say that he not only improved my handicapping by leaps and bounds but I am also cashing more tickets on a steady basis. He starts his explanation in his simplest terms then adds color to the mix to create a very well thought out process. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever made a bet. I can't see how this book couldn't help anyone and everyone. There are so many nuances and angles that once you realize the gravity of each angle it's impossible that you won't become a better handicapper.



4. There is no doubt that this book teaches you basics of how racing charts are interpreted. This book has talked about pacing, fractional time and key race etc. I believe it may be good for starters.
   
   I am however a little bit disappointed after reading this book. As a verteran horse racing fans I hope to find out more from this book before I buy this book. May be my expectation was too high at that time. If you have already read many books about horse handicapping, I recommend you miss this book.