No comments about Mensa Big Book of Acrostics 2 (Mensa).

4 comments about Second Sight (World of Darkness).

1. Second Sight is a great book to use with any WOD setting. It has some really nice rules for psychic abilities and "low magic" that is nowhere near what a true WOD Mage can do.
   
   Both systems are very simple and very well designed. The following is a bit of technobable, and if you're not a WOD gamer, it may not make much sense. There is a new Trait called "Supernatural Advantage" which takes the place of Blood Potency, Gnosis, or Primal Urge. The characters will some times add this to dice pools and use it to combat the supernatural equivalents of the other gaming systems.
   
   After that, the psychic abilities and magical powers are all merits. In the psychic camp, there are four main categories: ESP, mediumism, psychokinesis, and telepathy. There are plenty of powers under each category.
   
   Low Magic allows you to play a Thamaturge (not a Mage), and it is broken down into multiple traditions: ceremonial magician, hedge witch, shaman, taoist alchemist, and vodoun. Again, all the individual powers are merits, and again there are plenty of them.
   
   The only drawback is that there isn't a very big section of baddies in the back. I'm fine with that, but if you include one at all, make it thorough. A nice section on artifacts and items would have been a plus.
   
   This is truly a five star book for WOD. It's as thorough as Armory is (and far, far more packed with abilites than the weak Ghouls book is). If you're planning on including a psychic or a mundane magician in your games, this is a great book. And at Amazon's price, it can't be beat!



2. Second Sight gives World of Darkness fans the opportunity to play characters in the same vein as The Dead Zone, The 4400, the lower key mystics of early Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, and other similar entertainment. A lengthy list of psychic and magical abilities, along with traditions and general plot hooks with a horror bent, are presented. Due to the high cost of many of these abilities this results in a system that is good for characters that are mundane folk except for one or two supernatural tricks.
   
   In addition to psionics and magical traditions the book focuses on horrors beyond space and time similar to those mentioned in various H.P.Lovecraft publications. Such horrors get a lengthy discussion, and rules for the cultists serving them are presented.
   
   While the book states these abilities are not meant to be mixed with other types of supernaturals, such as vampires or werewolves, there's nothing here to prevent a buyer from doing just that. Whether you're looking for new powers to tack onto your Mages or a tool that will let you run a cabal of mystics dedicated to taking down the corrupt mayor of their town this product has a lot to offer.



3. Great resource supplement for mortals who possess supernatural gifts. This book is for the new World of Darkness game and offers powers to make your mortals a bit more edgy. This book is getting reprinted by White Wolf (release date October 15, 2007). So dont pay the outrageous $84 that some sellers on amazon are asking for.
   
   This is probably one of the most popular World of Darkness supplements.



4. Basically it's a poor framework for introducing mortals into the WoD. But instead of trying to make a solid and robust frame for how Mortals could investigate, explore and maybe even survive after having discovered how the WoD 'really' is, WW took an easy solution and came up with.. tadaa: mortal superpowers (psychics) that allows "Mortals" to deal with the WoD almost on equal terms.
   
   This is actually revealed in the description of the book, but nonetheless i feel disappointed as i thought it would also contain elements on how real mortals could cope with WoD. However a mortal isn't (in my book anyway) a real mortal/sleeper etc, once she gains supernatural powers.

No comments about Porn & Pong: How Grand Theft Auto, Tomb Raider and other Sexy Games Changed Our Culture.

2 comments about Yo-Yo Tricks & Tips.

1. This is a nice book of basic yo-yo tricks. Why get this one when there are several basic trick books out there? Well someone got smart and made this so it could fit in your back pocket. Many other basic trick books, although fine, are not as portable as this book. Even if you have another basic trick book you might consider this one if you like to practice on the road. Once you master this book then check out the Yonomicon.. Lucky Meisenheimer M.D. author of "Lucky's Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yo-Yos...History and Values"



2. Stu's wit and cleverness shines through on every page, making what could be only drab descriptions into entertainment even for those who know these tricks by heart. If you like this, get a copy of Stuart Crump's *It's Yo-Yo Time!* which includes not only tricks, but history, articles, and fiction on yo-yos -- all of top quality!

5 comments about How to Beat Sit 'n' Go Poker Tournaments.

1. Thought it was well written and easy to understand i only play for fun so this type of book was ideal for me, to many time i have bought a poker book only to find there was writting for a A+ math student to understand. The only thing that disappointed me was the "in the money chapter" which i though could have been longer, other than that, some great advice on what hands i should start playing at what stage of the tournamnet ect. good read all in all.



2. This book is an excellent guide for people who wish to understand core concepts of sit and go-s and want thorough help how to play them. The style is simple and easy to understand. It covers every major aspects of the game and is an excellent starting book for novices to sit and go-s.



3. There is money to be made in low level poker tournaments. "How to Beat Sit & Go Poker Tournaments: A No-Limit Hold'Em Guide to Beating Sit & Gos" is a guide to winning these sit & go tournaments. The most common form of these tournaments exist online and take only one or two hours, yet can be very lucrative if one takes into account the strategies found in this guide. Examining the flaws in failed strategies while providing alternatives and more successful tactics, "How to Beat Sit & Go Poker Tournaments: A No Limit Hold'Em Guide to Beating Sit & Gos" is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their game.



4. On the plus side, this book is a very quick and easy read, and probably improved my game fairly immediately.
   
   On the minus side, that's about all it's good for. It has no depth nor detail.
   
   I recommend breezing through this book quickly if you're a beginner (preferably through your library), then pick up Collin Moshman's book: Sit 'n Go Strategy.



5. i bought this wanting to improve my game and learn some solid advice on how to play sit and go tournamnets.
   The book gave a good understanding of the aggression needed around the bubble and some good concepts you need to know around this stage of the tournament.
   I feel my game improved 8 fold after reading this and found it a pleasant read.

5 comments about Sudoku Genius: 144 of the Most Fiendish Puzzles Ever Devised.

1. I bought this book for the "master class in advanced strategies," not for the puzzles, and I was disappointed. The tips are skimpy and not very clearly explained. I have a Ph.D. in philosophy (which includes logic), so I am no dummy, yet several of the solving tips in the opening section I had to read three or four times until I could correctly correlate the commentary to the diagrams. If you're looking for difficult puzzles, then read the other reviews, but if you're looking for solving methods for difficult puzzles, don't buy this book.



2. This is by far the best book of Sudoku puzzles I've ever done. They averaged about 50 minutes each to solve. I was hoping to find more like this one. He doesn't waste your time with simple no brainers.
   
   More, please!



3. I get a bit tired of people claiming how fantastically hard their puzzles are, only to be disappointed in the end. In the end with this book I was very disappointed. The author claims 9 Circles of Sudoku Hell, but the highest level, "The Ninth Circle" contains only one puzzle and it can be solved in under an hour, pretty much ditto for all the rest.
   
   I thought the master class in advanced strategies disappointing, simply a rehash of strategies known around the world.
   
   What I really came away with from this book is the knowledge that my Sudoku solving process is superior to the author's lore, and that maybe I should write a book on Sudoku solving and get the author's permission to use puzzles from this book as examples.



4. Very Challenging - I loved this book so much, I ordered a second one when I was done with the first - I figured they were challenging enough to do it a 2nd time! I also ordered the second one in this series by Tom Sheldon.



5. This book is excellent for the person who can do a medium to hard puzzle in minutes, not for a beginner at all. Do not be fooled by the instructions in the front, it will not help you at this level of sudoku.
   
   This book was a challenge to me which is why I loved it so much! I developed my own techniques to conquer the puzzle. Mentally, a real workout.
   Now, the only problem is I am having trouble finding another book like it, with advanced puzzles to challenge me. I need Sudoku Genius II.

5 comments about Middle Limit Holdem Poker.

1. Having many of the limit holdem books myself ( Championship Holdem, Lee Jones Low limit holdem, Small stakes holdem 2+2 pub. and the best Limit book Weighing the Odds in holdem poker by King Yao) Having just got this book today, I can say that this is the best Limit book ever and the best book on the right thing to do.



2. If you're somebody who's used to the graphic presentations of cards and hands in many of the Two Plus Two books then you might be initially disappointed upon opening Middle Limit Holdem because this edition will never be confused with a Power Point presentation. However, if you're looking to learn limit or substantially improve your game, then this is definitely the manual for you. The authors created over 300 pages of densely packed information which was broken down into 40 logical subtopics. What they offer here is an old school approach to the game which is both low in reflexive aggression and low in variance, and, for me, anything which decreases variance is totally welcome. I'm not one of those reviewers who thinks that certain styles are obsolete as I find that differing viewpoints enrich my game. Personally, I'd place Middle Limit Holdem in between Ed Miller and Lee Jones in terms of the type of play it advocates. If you don't know limit, then I recommend learning it as increasing proficiency across the strains of poker can only thicken the bankroll in the long run.



3. Very good poker book for middle limit. Takes it to another level.



4. I have added this book to my current libary and think that the book is a fine addition.



5. The book is quite enjoyable to read and discusses how to play 400 typical hands that arise in everyday poker.
   The discussion is very logical and teaches you how to think properly on every betting round. It advises you on how to get the most value out of your good hands and to minimize losses when you are beat. When to value bet on the river, and when to check raise, etc, etc.
   I can't say that I picked up a tonne of tips from this book, but it did revise a lot of good principles that I already knew.
   To a weaker player than myself you could pick up a lot of good tips.
   The rules set in this book can't be applied to low limit games with weak players who play totally illogical, it is written for middle-higher limit games. Thus only 4 stars

3 comments about The Encyclopedia Of Bible Games For Children's Ministry.

1. A great book with a wide variety of games. Different energy levels and age groups listed.



2. This is a wonderful book! It is very Bible-book based, which is great, but it also has some other games based on other Biblical and Christian topics. I wish there were a few other options, as we are currently studying things about Jesus and who He was... but for a Sunday School class, this would be a wonderful help! It's also a nice basis to go from to create your own ideas!



3. The book is handily indexed by subject matter and the ideas are excellent. A good resource for anyone teaching children's ministry.

5 comments about Winning Chess Strategies, revised (Winning Chess - Everyman Chess).

1. I started taking chess seriously about one year ago and I bought this book only a few days ago. This book is very engaging and has demystified many aspects of positional chess for me because of Mr. Seirawan's very lucid and down to earth approach to the various concepts presented. It is also very encouraging to see that even an IGM of Mr. Seirawan's ability can err during play. I am about to purchase "Winning Chess Tactics" and I know that my money will be well spent!!



2. This is book at a mid-level skilled player who wants to add on their their basic knowledge of chess. Ideas are taken from actual play and are made into broken down examples. This is instead of using complete games (another excellent way to improve - here one of the mid-level comment on every moves book like "Logical Chess" or "Unbeatable Chess" would fit in well) the author focuses on a variety of concepts that he fees are important. This is certainly a good, but not a great book.



3. I purchased this the same time as Seirawan's "Tactics" book. I enjoy the author's writing style and he knows his stuff. He uses a good sense of humor to keep the reading lively and his background on the annotated masters games is informative, interesting, and engaging.
   
   The only reason I give "Tactics" 5 stars over this one's 4 is that Tactics is just easier to read and work through. Due to the topics of this book the examples are long, some even full games, so while the explanation of the principals of the chapters is simple and straightforward it takes some serious set-aside study time to work through the examples with your own chessboard. (Tactics on the other hand with its short term calculations can be done in your head). The format of having test questions at the end doesn't gel with the subject matter as well as Tactics, but is consistent with the format of the other books of the series.
   
   The examples take longer to work through than to get the point of the chapter--with several chapters I could correctly answer the end of chapter tests without working through the examples. You can quickly review the points of the chapters just by looking for the italicized print, and that is often enough information to answer the end of chapter questions correctly. I'm sure working through all the examples would increase the value and understanding of this book but I am someone who does not have hours a day to devote to studying chess.
   
   Again it is an excellent book and I recommend it, I do believe it has improved my play. Just plan on scheduling serious study time when you want to read through some of it, it's not something you can read casually on your nightstand.



4. This is the 3rd book in Yasser Seirawan's "Winning Chess" series. In this book Yasser discusses chess strategy and coming up with a plan. He discusses topics such as proper piece placement, and pawn structure. Once again Yasser does a good job providing clear explanations of the topics to the reader.
   
   I would have to think that his series is about the best introductory chess series in the English language.



5. Ok . There are 31 customer reviews already and I add a 5 star (if there was 6 I would give it) to this product . ABSOLUTELY the best book on strategy !! Explained in clear and brilliant style . It's as if Seirawan is physically there at the board talking to you like a coach . It's like having your own personal coach . Seirawan knows the ins and outs of an amateur's play and he precisely pin-points them . If you are bored of reading books with pages and pages of annotations , if you would like some strategic advice that can be applied TO ANY GAME --- this is the book for you !!! I know I have been searching long for books that don't just show me one master game after another but give me some ideas I can use in my own games . I need to know which ideas work in games and this is exactly what Seirawan does . The games he uses to illustrate are brief and terse . Once he has shown how opponent uses the concept to gain advantage , he moves on !! This is very important !! Annotating the game till the end not only makes it difficult to follow but the main idea gets left behind in the jargon . This is a MASTERPIECE . It will be with me forever ....

5 comments about Quick and Cozy Afghans.

1. I really enjoy this book. There is a variety of styles, sizes and pattern types to try out. Also, the book tells you the yarn weight and gauge, not the brand of yarn, so substitutions are easy. The only draw back is that there isn't any rating system as to the difficulty of each pattern - a careful reading is necessary before starting any project.



2. Delightful book, lots of large hook with 2 strands of yarn patterns, as well as mile-a-minute patterns. Easy to follow directions, and quite a few standard type patterns for the traditionalists among us. You won't be sorry if you purchase this one. All crochet.



3. Another wonderful Leisure Arts collection! This book really does offer something for everyone. Many Afghans are worked while holding 2 strands, which always makes for quick rewarding projects. There are also several strip/motif patterns that are good choices for working on the go. Sophisticated Swirl on page 66 is especially stunning, it will impress your friends and you because it looks very complicated but is actually very simple!



4. This is a replacement for myself and I bought extra copies for my daughters. The book is very well done with easy instructions and even beginners can follow and get a fabulous finished product.



5. I'm a casual crocheter. I love this book! It's got a great instruction section at the back and lots of variety in the afghans. I like that there's a full color of each item and the instructions right next to it. No searching to find what you need. You can lay the book open and see the instructions and the picture at the same time.
   
   This is my only crochet book. I actually use the patterns to springboard ideas for dish clothes.