And to my nephew Albert I leave the island what I won off Fatty Hagan in a poker game--
Published in Unknown Binding by Hodder & Stoughton ()
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Funniest book of the cold war eraI first read this book about 20 years ago and though it would make a great movie. I'm sure the Russians would enjoy it too.
If you love to laugh you wont be sorry you chose this one!A hilarious story suitable for young teens of either sex and those who are still young at heart. A cold war romance set on an island off the coast of England. Also a possible world record winner for 'longest book title in the world'. I enjoyed it immensly when it was first published and am now looking for a copy to give to my boys. (after I've read it again.)
Who would've known I'd go looking for that island??In a VERY small town, Culdesac, Idaho, a book mobile would travel to us once a week. There I found this little treasure one summer so many years ago, I can't remember! I never forgot the title, or laughing out loud! So here I am, married to someone from the region, enjoying our own type of island life there now and then, and remembering the title. Looking for a copy for my 13 year old son, who is in Greece as I write on a study tour. This book is right up his alley, and along the lines of his humor! Would love to share it with him if I could get my hands on a copy. Anyone willing to part with one can email me if Amazon can't find it!
Improve Your Poker
Published in Paperback by Bob Ciaffone (October, 1997)
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Beautiful BobIf you're a player with a serious desire to improve your game, look no further. Bob Ciaffone provides a theorethical framework from where to build a successfull poker career. After stating in two pages three basic strategies for how to stop the leaks in your game, he goes on and on with tips on topics like Table image, bluffing, shorthanded play, satellite play, the number of opponents and so on. There's so much knowledge in this book. Things you might have some idea about after making some strategies mistakes in your own game. Here's a guy whose been the before, putting it into a theorethical framework, and even more important, into print. I've made 14 000 $ in six months, playing two times a week, after reading this book and "Pot-Limit and No-Limit Poker" which Ciaffone co-authored with English player Stewart Reuben. You can too. Enjoy.
a well-written book that lives up to its titleImprove Your Poker is a well-written and insightful book that I believe is worth reading once and will stand up well to re-reading. Ciaffone's goal here is not to teach the novice what poker is, or to provide a cookbook-style strategy guide, but to provide the reader with thoughtful reading on a variety of poker topics. The book covers a lot of ground, including tournament play and big bet poker, as well as more mundane topics like bluffing. Ciaffone's approach, which often invites disagreement, should appeal to the reader more interested in discussion than in dogmatic advice. Although he occasionally presents his views strongly, he rarely seems to be asking the reader to accept his word on faith.
I believe this book also lends itself especially well to mindset adjustment. That is, if you're on a plane to Las Vegas, and you haven't thought about poker for a few weeks or more, I think a book like this might be a better choice to help get back that poker mindset, rather than trying to cram with strategy manuals.
Although the writing is not quite as lively as the book on big-bet poker he co-authored with Stewart Reuben, it's engaging in its own way. I feel this book is better as a self-published book than it would have been in the hands of most publishers.
Great writing, excellent info!This is the first book I've read from Bob Ciaffone but it certainly wont be the last. Well written and full of great secrets, tips, and insight into what the pro players are thinking when they're at the biggest events in poker. Bob explains the differences between money (ring) games and tournament play, low-limit games and big-bet games, and many other subjects reguarding hold-em and omaha games. His 47 years of experience is well represented here, I'd reccomnd this book to any intermediate/advanced player who would like to improve their game.
Middle Limit Holdem Poker
Published in Paperback by Bob Ciaffone (January, 2002)
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Solid Plays, Good Reasoning.I recommend this book only after the reader gets a moderate amount of time on the table. The reason for this is that the book teaches by example and it would probably be difficult for a reader who hasn't played before to get the most out of it since he won't be able to relate to the situations given. However, this is what makes this book so strong. Oftentimes, you read a poker book full of concepts, but few examples, and you're left wondering how those concepts would be applied to the situation at hand. The hands given in this book are excellent and very representative of common situations on the poker table. Each example is given with the popular opinion, his opinion (which I usually agree with), and if applicable, a reason why he believes his way is the correct way. Great book to get you thinking and to fill the practical gaps that other poker books have left their readers with. Best in its class!
I wish I could pan this bookThe problem is, giving this book a rave review may get people I play with to read it and then I won't make as much money. Still, I must do what I must do.
This is a great book on holdem, and deserves to come from a guy who calls himself 'the coach.'
Each chapter covers a particular issue (pre-flop play from early position, turn play, etc.), with a brief but useful introduction and then adds numerous extremely useful examples, with correct play pointed out and explained for each example. Useful to read straight through or just go to problem parts of your game (value betting on the river, for example).
My only warning is that this book is probably not for beginning players. It has no easy charts on what to play and when and assumes some basic holdem knowledge. That said, for any player beyound the beginner stage this is an excellent book. You won't be sorry (but I might).
This is a great book on holdem, and deserves to come from a guy who calls himself 'the coach.'
Each chapter covers a particular issue (pre-flop play from early position, turn play, etc.), with a brief but useful introduction and then adds numerous extremely useful examples, with correct play pointed out and explained for each example. Useful to read straight through or just go to problem parts of your game (value betting on the river, for example).
My only warning is that this book is probably not for beginning players. It has no easy charts on what to play and when and assumes some basic holdem knowledge. That said, for any player beyound the beginner stage this is an excellent book. You won't be sorry (but I might).
I wish you couldn't find this book hereOf the dozen or so poker books I've bought in the last two years, this one has gotten by far the most repeated use. The writing is clear and logical, and the quiz/explanation format is perfect when I'm wondering whether I played a hand correctly. In the last four months I have gone from someone who was terrified of hold'em to a consistently winning player, thanks in large part to repeated study of this book. I think most people will find it much more useful than Sklansky and Malmuth, simply because the practical examples are such an ideal teaching tool.
77 Ways to Get the Edge at Casino Poker: Playing and Beating the Best
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (July, 2002)
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For Serious Players OnlyI am a very serious poker player and I play several times a week. I've read most of the poker literature. This book is one of the best. It looks at 77 concepts and analyzes the play of various types of hands based on these concepts. I thought the book was thorough, well written and intellectually challenging. If you play poker this belongs right up there with Sklansky's best work. Renzey obviously knows the various games and he has a marvelous way of teaching his points. But this is not a beginner's book.
Caro's Book of Poker Tells
Published in Paperback by Simon & Schuster (March, 2003)
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A must readA must read for any serious poker player, this small book is absolutely the best collection of common poker tells. Highly recommended!
Jerusalem Poker
Published in Paperback by Avon (May, 1979)
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It sticks with youI woke up this morning thinking of this book, though it must be at least 15 years since I read it. Jerusalem Poker is a wonderful fantasy that brings together an Irish fugative gun-runner, a salesman of mummy dust and a garlic-cruching son of an international banking family in a friendly game of poker, and tells their stories by turn. I suppose the friendliness of the game is as much a fantasy as the rest of the book, which is too bad, but it's nice to indulge such fantasies every now and then.
One of the best fiction writers of our time.If you like to read good, no, Great writing, you owe it to yourself to read Whittemore. Get all five of his novels and I assure you that you will not be left wanting.(Except for more.) Unfortunately, we have been robbed by death of this giant of literature. Few can match the epic humanity and scope of Edward Whittemores' characters, places and dreams. He is sorely missed even though relatively few readers have even heard of him. Hopefully the re-release of his books will at least partially remedy this literary injustice.
BACK IN PRINTOld Earth Books will be reprinting this and the other four Whittemore novels. Google the web for "Edward Whittemore".
Bold Card Play: Best Strategies for Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride & Three Card Poker
Published in Paperback by Bonus Books (June, 1998)
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Great Information About New GamesThe casinos are inventing new games all the time with the purpose in mind of getting a bigger share of our money. What I like about Frank Scoblete's book is how he manages to develop strategies that cut the house edge to the lowest they can be AND he shows how to play these strategies in a way that really saves you money and gives you a shot at winning. This book is a very good book to read. It is also fun and Scoblete's insights are worth the price of the cost alone. I recommend it to anyone interested in these three new games. It has helped me a lot!
Reduce the edge at dangerous new gamesScoblete explains why the casinos are introducing these new games with high house edges and he shows you the best strategies to ply for each. If you follow these strategies and his money-management advice, you have a good chance of reducing the casino's take on you. The book is also an enjoyable book to read as Scoblete is a good writer who knows how to make even difficul subjects interesting. Read this book before you tackle any of the three new games listed and you'll be helping yourself a great deal.
Great Strategies for Tough GamesThese new games can be murder on your bankroll but Scoblete shows how to use the proper strategies to reduce the house edge to the minimum. He then explains how to slow the pace to get more in comps than your action actually entails. The book is a fast read and you can photocopy his strategies and take them to the casino. This is very helpful if, like me, you have a poor memory. Definitely a worthwhile book to have. Also a fun book to read.
Strip Poker
Published in Digital by St. Martin's Press ()
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Getting down to businessIn the first three books of the series, Nancy Bartholomew introduced us to Sierra Lavotini, the headliner of the Tiffany's Gentleman's Club in Panama City. Sierra is book smart, loyal and no nonsense. She controls her boss, Vincent Gambuzzo, by hinting to her (non-existent) familial connections to a New Jersey Mafia boss known as 'Big Moose' Lavotini. Ms. Bartholomew's books are filled with funny situations, a great supporting cast and a nice, cozy mystery. The author never makes her characters demeaning or condescending but after writing those fun books the writer decides to get a bit serious this time.
It is December and Christmas is just around the corner. Vincent Gambuzzo has lost the club during a poker game and is then accused of killing one of the players. Sierra is exploring her relationship with Detective John Nailor wondering if she has finally found true love. She is unhappy with the club's new management after changing its name to Big Mike's House of Booty that she decides to stage a walkout with the other dancers. Just when everyone needs her to help Vincent and save the club she has to fly to her hometown of Philadelphia to deal with a family emergency. This event will demonstrate how strong Sierra can be with herself.
In STRIP POKER, Sierra Lavotini has matured as a character after her adventures in the previous three books. We get to appreciate how she interacts with her entire family throughout their personal crisis and see the love that they share with each other. With the sole exception of Sierra's kooky neighbor Raydean, the comedy in this book is not so strong but that is all right. We get to see a major change in Sierra's life at the end of the novel making us wish that the next novel comes out soon. I guess it is time to read Ms. Bartholomew's other two novels that introduces Maggie Reid. It should be good.
HEADS UP this book is a HIT...!The Sierra Lavotini series is a must for anyone who has NO LIMIT when it comes to taking a GAMBLE on a well-written, smart and funny romantic suspense. Here's the DEAL: Sierra is an UNDERDOG amateur detective who happens to have a TOP PAIR, a real stacked DECK, and strips at a HOUSE with a GUNSHOT STRAIGHT when it comes to murder. Sierra, unlike the other exotic dancers, doesn't FOLD when it comes to solving the murders; she ANTES up, which RAISES the Panama City Police Department's frustration in solving the crime, especially a FIVE CARD STUD detective named John Nailor. I'm not BLUFFING when I say take the CHANCE on STRIP POKER; it's a SURE THING that you'll hit the JACK POT...the ODDS aren't against you.:)
Welcome back, Sierra!We missed you! With the introduction of Sierra Lavotini, the readers of mysteries starring wonderfully human female sleuths have another series to wait impatiently for. In Strip Poker, Nancy Bartholomew has returned us to Sierra's world- complete with all the lovable characters, and not so lovable ones, we hope to meet again and again. Keep writing, and we'll keep reading!
The Theory of Poker
Published in Paperback by Two Plus Two Publishing LLC (July, 1999)
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The Odds-On Favorite on Gambling TheoryInvariably at or near the top of any list of serious titles on poker, this book is the leading work on poker theory. Since virtually every dedicated player has read it, to play without reading it is to put yourself at a disadvantage. Sklansky focuses on the math of poker--how to calculate odds, pot odds, reverse implied pot odds, etc. It's not a fun read; it reminded me of some of the college textbooks I dreaded, but it rewards hard work with a new depth of insight that will make you a smarter, more insightful player. It deserves five stars but I gave it four because it can be so dreary. No colorful stories of how so-and-so went all in with a pair of fours only to [take out a set on the River, etc. Sklansky is so professorial in tone it's hard to imagine him at smoky poker table betting the farm. And in truth, he's more noted as a theoretician than a player. But if you want to play poker for serious stakes, this book is required reading.
A Textbook on PokerThis reads like a textbook and should be read by any serious student of the game. I'm sure it will be a useful reference for the rest of my poker playing life. Some may find it difficult reading as the style is fairly typical of a textbook or a reference book, and it is a comprehensive and serious book about the probability and expected outcome of the game. The reading isn't recreational, but is a good investment of time with the returns being that you will be a much more astute poker player.
Please DO NOT BUY this book.If everybody who plays poker were to buy and study this book, I would have a hard time making money at the poker table. I want you fish to remain ignorant of pot odds, effective odds, implied odds, correct bluffing frequency, semi-bluffing, reading cards, and the other topics covered in this book. How am I going to earn money if you know the same things about poker that I do, thanks to Sklansky?
So, skip this book and just plunk yourself down at my table. Oh...and bring lots of cash.
Video Poker-Optimum Play
Published in Paperback by Conjelco (01 August, 1998)
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A decent tutorialAs an avid and successful Video Poker player, and author of "Mastering Video Poker - a professional player's secrets revealed", I always like to take a look at the current state of video poker strategy guides. This book will teach you the basic whys and why nots of various plays. Lacking is any attention to the more advanced psychological aspects of training and playing, as well as how to truly take the casinos for all their worth in player perks, treatment, bonuses and general high-roller benefits.
Useful if you want to play video poker.I purchased this book because I saw a TV show that said "Video poker can be beat". I found this hard to believe but it is apparently true on some machines with perfect play. Ah, there is the rub. Along with the book I bought a computer program that teaches you how to play and shows you each error you make. It isn't real hard to learn how to play perfectly but requires a person that can really keep focused for hours on end. Most folks with the intellect to learn this could make much more money doing something (anything ?) else but if you have to gamble this is your best shot. This book with Frugal Gambler and some real effort will make your Vegas trips more fun. I don't think Vegas casinos enjoy losing so I wonder how long this will last ?
Excellent book for all level of playersGreat coverage of probability and numbers behind the game.
Easy to follow rules that are much shorter than anything out there with very very very little dropoff in expected return. I highly recommend this book.
Easy to follow rules that are much shorter than anything out there with very very very little dropoff in expected return. I highly recommend this book.