5 comments about The Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide: Tournament Edition.

1. This is a true gem in the wacky world of poker books. After Sklanski & Malmuth, Super System I/II, and the Harrington trilogy, there are very few poker books that actually offer original content or any new insights into the game of poker. True, Bill Chen's "The Mathematics of Poker" offers both - to some extent - but in a format that is better suited for someone working on dissertation research more than for someone looking to get an edge at a poker table. The value of this particular book comes from the differing perspectives of the authors. Gavin Smith, Howard Lederer, and Chris Ferguson (just to name a few) have disparate playing styles and it is reflected in the portions of the book they write. Some go as so far as to implore the reader to ignore some of the advice from the earlier authors. While Ferguson doesn't care for flat calling raises, Gavin Smith loves it, and both explain the reasons why. Ted Forest goes as so far as telling the reader to ignore his advice in the aptly titled "Don't Play like Ted Forest" chapter.
   
   If you are considering buying this book, there's a good chance you know about position play, starting hands, and most other basics. What I loved most about this book is the fact that these pros tell the reader how they play, not how a hand should be played. Due deference is given to Sklanski and Malmuth, but the advice doled out is original and unique. It's refreshing to read how differently two pros would play the same hand and their explanations for doing so.
   
   The only weak point in the book is the discussion about online poker is not as in depth as one would expect (or in my case, hope) in a "Full Tilt" title.
   
   I would strongly recommend this book over most any other in the soup of modern poker books.



2. My order came promptly and it is a very good book to get some tips from



3. As an avid poker player (I play at least 5 hours a week) who makes decent money, I was looking forward to this edition. The problem with books these days is that there isn't much new material out there. Doyle wrote his supersystem which laid the groundwork for aggressive play which wasn't the norm back in the day. Then Harrington came out with his three volumes which are the definitive go-to for all no-limit holdem play.
   
   If you want the best no-limit holdem book out there, then this probably isn't your book. The Harrington books trump this book by a long shot. However, if you're looking for a one-stop-shop for the other games then this is the answer. The only section that I felt was subpar was the section on Razz which gave very subpar advice, data, or basic strategy. The stud sections are excellent and lay very good groundwork for both cash and tournament play.
   
   So...if you're only going to stick with NL holdem, then go with the Harrington books...if you're looking for a little bit of everything, then i highly recommend this book.



4. Brilliant all round book, which I've learnt and gained much more poker knowledge from. Im not one for reading books but I couldn't put this one down!



5. In the world of poker literature, no limit hold em advice dries up and becomes useless pretty quickly these days. One year after its release, this underrated and underread book still holds advice that has yet to find its way into most tournaments. Almost every chapter regarding NLHE offers insights into the game that blows almost everything else away. Dare I say it, I think it even makes HOH begin to look dated.
   
   Andy Bloch's chapter on preflop play is worthy of its own 5-star-rated book (even if I disagree with some of his advice, such as reraising with middle pairs while in position). Lederer's chapter on leverage is knowledge only a miniscule percentage of your opponents will be even vaguely aware of. Chris Ferguson's chapter on bet sizes is all you'll ever need to know about that subject. Gavin Smith's chapter on LAG play is a must-read for both the player wanting to learn to play that dangerous style, or for the TAG wanting to understand his loose-aggressive opponent.
   
   In addition, there are great chapters on other poker games such as Omaha, Stud, and Razz (the Razz chapter being my personal fave). I honestly don't think there is a better tournament book out there. I also honestly hope it continues to fly under the radar for at least another year.

5 comments about Blackjack Bluebook II - the simplest winning strategies ever published (2006 edition).

1. Good book for beginning BJ player b/c it delves into basic strategy and gives you easy ways to remember stuff. I found the content insightfull and interesting although I didn't get to put his advanced ideas into practice because I'm still working on memorizing the basic strategy chart. I recommend it regardless of your current skill level.



2. For a player who has learned basic strategy and is looking to take their game to the next level this book can't be beat. The presentation of the counting strategies is well laid out and reading this book will help the player understand the game and wisely choose a strategy based on his/her strengths.
   
   I would recomend reading this book and getting the "Real Deal Blackjack: Learn to Count" software. http://www.realdealblackjack.com and you will be on your way to becoming a winning player.



3. I was a Basic Strategy player and I thought I was doing just fine. Read Fred's book and forget about it-a whole new Blackjack World opened up to me! Prior to reading BJBBII I never in a million years would have thought I could or would count cards-thought you had to be some sort of mathwiz-NOT! Please-if you love the game of blackjack and you want to find out how easy it is to tremendously improve your game just read this book. I'm not saying you don't have to apply yourself,you certainly do,but the way Fred Renzey takes you through the information presented allows anyone with average intelligence to count cards in any casino. BTW-I use the KISS III count and it sure works. It is so cool to be able to count and KNOW when it's time for the big cards to be dealt.
   Rogue1



4. Fred Renzy is not only an avid Blackjack player, but a math and computer whizkid! I am not! However, he didn't lose me in this book. He kept it easy to understand. I also appreciated the fact that he was honest in explaining that Blackjack is a difficult game to get the edge at. It's not as easy as the movie makes it out to be. Nevertheless, he inspried me to play on, after reading his book.



5. Renzy does provide some material that was new to me, but the counting system that he discusses is somewhat weak. Still a good book for a beginner to intermediate player.

5 comments about Harrington on Hold 'em Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments, Vol. 2: Endgame.

1. This book was recommended to me after I finished in the top third of a tourney. I've read Vols 1, 2, and 3 - and I've learned so much from these books. Easy to read, easy to understand. I'll be going back in a few months to pick up anything I may have missed. Highly recommended.
   
   Finished in top 15% in another tourney after reading this book - easily accounted by the stuff I've learned. Looking for better results I apply the knowledge.



2. This is a great series of books for anyone who is fairly new to the game of No Limit Texas Hold'Em. Volume I provides some basic concepts that every player needs to know. From which hands to start with and pot odds, to raising, to how your seating position affects your play, this series is a great introduction. And the more table experience you gain, the more his discussions can help your game. Highly recommended. Also, the workbook, Volume III is great to test your decision making within his framework.



3. This book does a fantastic job of discussing the pressure of late stage tournament play. Want to know how to react when the blinds are eating your stack and other players are moving all in on you constantly? Get this book!



4. There have been many in-depth reviews of this book so I will make this short. This book builds on the concepts in Volume 1 to further improve your playing. Some of the concepts and strategies are not as intuitive but make perfect sense and are statistically sound (e.g., As your M and the M of your opponents decrease - avoid playing small pairs and mid to low suited connectors since the implied pot odds can not reach a level to make these hand profitable late in a tournament). Many, many, many advanced topics covered to improve your game late in No Limit tournaments. Mor great insight from a top poker pro.



5. Got this book for my husband, an online poker fan. He loved the first one in the series and doesn't like to put this one down either. Reads them multiple times to get the most out of them.

No comments about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Guide and Atlas Bundle: Prima Official Game Guide.

3 comments about Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens.

1. I only just discovered Lena Corwin yesterday and was so inspired by the cover that I ran right out to the bookstore to get it. There are a variety of techniques with simple, detailed instructions and beautiful pictures. I am so inspired and can't wait to start printing.



2. This book is really well done, covering its subject thoroughly, with beautiful photography and inspiring projects that have my whole family ready to print! Thankyou Lena



3. This book is fabulous! The projects all vary in skill level and time allotment. Lena Corwin gives step-by-step instructions so detailed anyone could follow. Lena's patterns are so fresh and beautiful. I would recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One.

1. Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward Thorp started a craze toward card counting in casinos, prompted several rules changes including increased numbers of decks, shorter cuts, and more frequent shuffles. It's the grandfather of Blackjack strategy books and the first mathematical analysis of the game published outside academia. For those reasons alone it's worth having and studying even if its effectiveness has been diminished by the rules changes I noted above.
   
   The other advantage that Thorp's book has over the dozens of blackjack books available is that it includes the probability charts. You can take the numbers from the appendix, see where the strategy was developed and make your own adjustments based on the conditions you encounter at your local game or casino.
   
   It's tricky, his counting system and strategy, but once you have the hang of it you can be assured a fair game with a casino. And, all told, it's not that difficult a system to master with some practice ahead of time. Don't read this volume on the plane flight into Vegas and expect to beat the dealers in a day, but spend a week or two with some decks of cards, practice, go online and play, then take your shot against the pros. Good luck.
   
   - CV Rick



2. Edward O. Thorp started the blackjack revolution way back in the early 1960s with a difficult but successful card counting system. This book explains that early system and why blackjack is a beatable game. There are now many easier card counting systems such as the Hi-Lo, the KO, the High Opt and the easiest of all Speed Count.
   
   Thorp's book is a must have for your gambling library as he started it all.
   
   Frank Scoblete: author of Golden Touch Dice Control Revolution!



3. Next stop Macau
   
   Still the classic for the high-low method, but nowadays you need to work in teams and with the perpetual continuous shuffle machines/decks the method has become harder to deploy in lots of casinos. Which is why those who use this with refined forced-card deck cutting are in the current gravy boat, although their day in the sun will also pass.
   
   Most folks can intuitively understand card counting and shoe-skew. There are plenty of books on the topic of card counting. However, Thorp's original work is best and overlooked on several important points by most folks. The first point is: rigor. Thorp has backed up his method with solid empirical and theoretical underpinnings. This gave confidence to generations of card counters who refined his method. The second point is: clarity. Thorp is a first-string mathematician and easily could have stayed conversing with peers in jargon, or he even could have purposefully employed obscurantism to keep tables thin. Instead his prose style is lean, direct, and clear. Such is his brevity and Wittgensteinian exactness that you may need to re-read a few sentences here and there to absorb what he is saying, but on the whole this is an accessible narrative written by a mathematician for an intelligent audience.
   
   A wonderful gift that opens up a new world combining math, fun and money.
   
   Now about Kelly criterion in betting strategies......



4. I find the story surrounding this book to be just as interesting as the book's content. [...]
   Few books are ever this popular, never mind this popular for decades. Beat the Dealer is approaching 50 years of incredible popularity among readers. This is reason enough to check it out. This is the best book for anyone eager to dive in to blackjack and move beyond the game's basics. It's not for a passive reader. It's also for anyone interested in gambling in general, or the history of gambling. This book is a classic.



5. This was an entertaining read. Edward Thorp did a lot of research :) and his stories are hysterical. His method of playing blackjack is easy to learn...even for somebody over 50! :)

5 comments about The People Puzzler Book: Jumbo Edition (Puzzle).

1. I had so much fun with this book. I cannot wait until the next book of People Jumbo Puzzles comes out. I ordered the first one also, and just starting to work in it. The nice thing is I dont know all the shows, or Ieven all of the people, but I can figure them out with the other clues that surround the ones I don't know.
   MAKE SURE YOU USE PENCIL, AS IT IMPRINTS TO THE OTHER SIDE IF YOU USE INK. I DO THE PUZZLE IN PENCIL, BUT WHEN I AM FINISHED WITH THAT PARTICULAR PUZZLE, I CHECK AND CORRECT MY ANSWERS IN INK. KEEPS ME HONEST,
   (even thou it is just for me)



2. Fun and easy. I would recommend this for any "People" crossword fans!
   Enjoyed very much.



3. ...entertainment. My wife and I fight over the People crosswords and we no longer have to.



4. I absolutely LOVE doing these crossword puzzles! I like this book because it has the JUMBO puzzles which allow for more space to write the letters in. Also, I like that the answers are in the back of the book so if I get stuck I can look one up and keep going! I cannot wait until the next set of PEOPLE PUZZLERS comes out!



5. What a great way to occupy yourself while waiting for the kids to get to the car after an activity. I keep it in my car.

5 comments about Thunderspire Labyrinth (Dungeons & Dragons, Adventure H2).

1. The basic module is fine. It is a continuation of the story from the module "Keep on the Shadowfell." The module looks to play well, and just like Keep, it contains 2 soft cover books and several maps. You can buy this and play it, and it feels pretty good.
   
   The only complaint I have lies in the packaging. The picture you see is the cover of what I consider a "folder" that holds the 2 books and the maps. This folder is made of very thin cardboard, so thin that it easily bends and tears, leaving the meat of the product damaged. For the cost of these adventures, I feel they should have gone in one of two opposite directions - make a larger, single book with a pocket for the maps, or produced a small box to hold all the materials.



2. An excellent adventure. Nice writting and and interesting history, first...shadowfell, and now...underdark?
   I would have like this adventure more, if it had a better relationship with H1.



3. Too much fighting and not enough role-playing. This adventure is typical of the new 4E paradigm which is great if your under 13 but not so much for adults. Still better than H1 but that isn't saying much.



4. I love 4e and this sequal to Keep on the Shadowfell is awesome! The illustrations and the story are fantastic!



5. I have been waiting for 4e D&D for a year. I was at the Con last year when they made the official announcement for 4e (and the demise of Living Greyhawk campaign). At first I was upset that my books were no longer valid for RPGA campaigns but I got over it soon enough. I still didn't want to spend another $100 on books. But after following the development and teh changes they proposed I was admittedly curious. I bought the books, and pl;ayed a few games. That changed my mind. The game is streamlined and fast moving. The DM's job is easier, even designing a campaign of your own is streamlined.
   
   As far as this product is concerned. I have to say it is a well written adventure with plot twists and surprises for every D&D fan. The encounters are easy to follow. the NPC's are easily identifiable and easy to run. The story makes sense in the context of the gameworld. I give this adventure a thumbs up!

No comments about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides).

5 comments about Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs: 144 circles, hexagons, triangles, squares, and other unexpected shapes.

1. There are a few things I like about this book. The fact that it is spiral bound is very nice. And naturally I was drawn to its concept: different motifs: triangles, circles, hexagons, "weird" shapes... I'm an avid square-crocheter, and I've been looking forward to moving into other motifs.
   
   My main problem with this book is its lack of examples on completed projects. The book does include a section of cute doodled examples of what to do with motifs (put them on flip-flops; sew them together for a rug; line them up across the chest of a sweater) but there is not a single photo, not a single example of an actual project completed using motifs from this book. Which is very disappointing to me. I love getting inspiration for projects by flipping through crafting books, and seeing the different colours used. This book will give you nice ideas for individual motifs and that is all.
   
   I think the book would have done better to acknowledge that because you're making unusual motifs, putting them together in unusual and creative ways and combinations is part of the fun. I also did not find the author's repetitive choice of colours inspiring. The cover picture is great, but inside I found it lacking.
   
   There are some nice motifs in this book, and I would suggest it to people who would like a straight-up how-to book. But if you're looking for a book that will inspire through its use of varied colour and finished product ideas, this will leave you disappointed.



2. This book is like eye candy for crocheters! I love the lay flat spiral binding, I wish more crafting books came in this format. The motifs are fun and come in just about every shape imaginable. If you're looking to branch off from the same old square you're sure to find dozens of motifs that will inspire you.
   
   I've crocheted since I was 7 years old and into my 20's, I can tell you for a fact that I would have killed for reference books as fun and inspiring as this when I was younger. I'm very glad to be getting back into crochet, this book already has my fingers itching to cast on.



3. I agree with all the previous reviewers. Perhaps the description of the book by Amazon is a bit misleading as it only has crochet motifs and no projects. However, it is very inspiring and jam packed full of helpful tips and information on how to crochet the different motifs and arrange them. All the motifs are charted and written out. 28 circle motifs, 26 hexagons, 31 triangles, 33 squares and 23 unusual shapes. Indexed and page of Japanese crochet symbols which are used in the book. The book begins with a workshop but is not meant for absolute beginners. I'm looking forward to playing around with the motifs and perhaps just making some kind of weird blanket with as many as will combine. Could be a good stashbuster too. Highly recommended.



4. This is a beautiful book that is well done. It is filled with fun and pretty motifs that have clear instructions. I enjoy the spiral backing so the book lies flat while your are reading a pattern. This will bring out your creativity.



5. This has to be one of the best book covers ever! Not only is this a beautifully produced book, the motifs are presented wonderfully in unexpected colors. I love the contemporary feel of the whole production and especially appreciate the easy to read charts. This is truly a dream book for any freeform fiber artist like me who will find pages of inspiration for years to come. Definitely add this reference to your library!