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Very Enjoyable Book?ow Get To Playin. . . , June 10, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
     This was a very Enjoyable Book. It provided important and useful concepts about the game of Poker. I learned new concepts, which identified some leaks in my game. Leaks in your game can come from anywhere. . . Leaks can originate from lack of aggression, overcalling raises, misreading opponents and any other number of ways. So this book helps. Many people look at poker the wrong way. They think to win they need to do all of this super fancy plays and mindblowing stunts. Well folks.there are not that many options in poker.you fold, call or raise. So its really hard to do thinks that will just fool your opponents all the time. To win at poker it is mostly limiting your mistakes and getting all that you can from winning hands and minimizing losses on losing hands.that's it.
     I've been playing for about 5 years now and love the game. Ive read many poker books and found this one to be very good. So I would suggest you buy this book and maybe a couple others and get to playing. There's really no excuse anymore - since anyone can access the internet.
     If you are a new poker player and would like to start playing poker online at www.partypoker.com - make sure you use the bonus code: "AMAZON25" and you will receive €25 free on your first purchase at www.PartyPoker.com. You can also use the Bonus Code "AMAZON100" and you will receive a 20% bonus up to €100. If you already play at PartyPoker, you can also play at www.Pokerroom.com. Use the promotion code "100BONUS" and you will receive 20% up to €100.
     If you are a new poker player and would like to start playing poker online at www.partypoker.com - make sure you use the bonus code: "AMAZON25" and you will receive €25 free on your first purchase at www.PartyPoker.com. You can also use the Bonus Code "AMAZON100" and you will receive a 20% bonus up to €100. If you already play at PartyPoker, you can also play at www.Pokerroom.com. Use the promotion code "100BONUS" and you will receive 20% up to €100.

Great Book, May 12, 2004
Reviewer: Todd Sturgeons from your mamas house
     This is an amazing book that provides you with the thoughts and processes of a profesional poker player. If you want to win..its time to think like a pro.

Sklansky is a great poker player, but a poor writer, March 14, 2004
Reviewer: Alex Scott from Edinburgh, Scotland
     There's no doubt that this is one of the most respected books on Poker ever written. The advice given is sound, with consideration for odds, game theory, psychology etc.

However.
1. Sklansky is not a good writer. His English is often stunted, flows badly, and often gets lost in poker lingo, instead of explaining concepts in the clearest possible terms. Although he is writing about a topic that the reader should be interested in, Sklansky manages to bore fairly often.
2. The book is printed in a style which does not help the reader. Poor layout and ugly fonts, plus several typographical errors are characteristic of Two Plus Two publishing, which unfortunately publishes some of the best poker books around.
3. Because the book was originally written a long time ago, some of the advice relates to games that just aren't played very much (like Razz and Hi-low split games). While it was a good idea at the time to cover as many bases as possible, a modern book would probably focus more on Hold em, possibly seven card stud.
4. The book talks about some advanced concepts very early on and contains some unintuitive mathematics. Whilst it's probably one of the first books you should read, if you don't know how to play poker at all, don't expect any help from Sklansky. Try Poker for Dummies if you're an absolute beginner.
     While this book is an essential part of any poker student's library, it's just not as good as it is often made out to be. And to be honest, it's a little outdated.

Too much focus on the odds side of the game, February 8, 2004
Reviewer: dwb7 from Bracknell, Berkshire United Kingdom
     I found this book very difficult to get into - virtually every section is presented from the point of view of the probability of making a hand and whether or not the pot (or implied) odds justify the play - all very relevant in the pro-world but extremely heady (and dull) reading for the Friday night game players.

Transforming poker book, November 12, 2002
Reviewer: davidnagel1985 from London
This book completely transforms the way you percieve poker. Before reading this book I was only a novice at poker, although I thought I knew how the game worked. But I was wrong. After reading 'The Theory of Poker', I now understand the most important aspects of being an excellent poker player. In Sklansky's book, he teaches you how to read hands and analyse your oponents, how the psychology of poker works as well as the art of bluffing. I found this particularly helpful when play Hold'em (my favourite form of poker) and Seven Card Stud. Sklansky also gives great examples of techniques when playing five card draw, five card stud, high-low split and others.
Overall I can definitely say this book will send you on you way to think and behave like a true poker player.

Read it, study it, use it, July 21, 2002
Reviewer: poker_toffeeman from London United Kingdom
     I'm looking at the book listing because I have literally worn out my copy.
     This is one of the most important books ever written about poker. If you play in a casino you will see people make plays that do not make sense given the advice in this book. You will get their money. If you only buy two books on poker buy this and Super/System

Very intelligent book, July 6, 2002
Reviewer: Thanh dung Tran from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom
     I can honestly say that the ideas expressed in this book are suitable for players all level, although advanced players can benefit greatly from this book. I'd have to say that this book is based more on intelligence to interpret ate the book rather than first hand experience. David Sklansky explores all aspects of intelligent plays and gives a detailed analysis of the different types of mistakes to look out for, every play is cover and nothing is missed.
     This book has presented me more platforms and ideas to implicate in my poker game, and I rate this as the most important Poker book to progress in the game.

High Praise for an excellent poker book, August 1, 2001
Reviewer: cheechwizard666 from London, England
     An excellent book on Poker, I have moved up limits and feel quite comfortable since reading this. The concepts contained in this book help you spot your mistakes and recognise your good plays. Because it is a general guidebook you will have to use your brain to get any real benefit from this book. The weakness from an English point of view is the cursory discussion of Pot Limit Poker.

Not for beginners, February 10, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from UK
     Although many more advanced players praise this book, it is not for beginners. It is too mixed up with examples drawn from too wide a range of games. Getting a book that deals with just the game you are interested in is more useful. If that game is Texas Hold em I recommend Ken Warren A Winers Guide to Texas Hold'em which is much easier to understand and better written.

Hard going but on the whole an excellent book, October 6, 2000
Reviewer: (rob@burns007.freeserve.co.uk) from England
     Having played only a small number of comps at my local casino, I new I needed more of an edge over my fellow players. This book has helped a great deal as it covers just about everything needed, semi-bluffs, full bluffs, position etc etc. It has improved my game without doubt although it did take two / three reads.
A serious book for serious players, February 24, 1999
Reviewer: D. Collins from Bucks County, Pennsylvania
     Any person who needs to know "when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em" must pick up this book. Mr. Sklansky teaches you what the good players know. Ever wonder if you were wrong in folding that four flush? With the help of Mr. Sklansky you will understand.

A solid read for those interested in winning at casino poker, October 7, 1998
Reviewer: MRWADE8@aol.com from Atlanta, Ga.
     If you thought you knew before how to approach the game of poker, this book will completely change your mind. Sklansky paints a very businesslike portrait of what it takes to be a consistent winner at real stakes poker. From understanding raising, to caculating your odds for actually betting your hand, this book can give any weekend player a boost to the next level. The best part is that this book is not a one time read. To fully benefit, one must continue to study the tools provided within in order to eventually master the basic mathmatics that will make the average player become a powerful player. Already I am reaping the benefits, and I feel as if I am just starting to learn. The "Theory of Poker" is an excellent text for learning an age old game you thought you already knew.

To be studied, not just read once, July 3, 1998
Reviewer: na4bart@aol.com from Los Angeles, Californnia
     Have read this book and others by the same author. With much study and practice I have managed to use what I learned to earn a substantial amount of extra income each year playing 15-20 hrs weekly. There are no "secrets to winning" in this book, just solid information. It is up to the reader to understand and apply it.

REVIEWS

Great Book. , February 5, 2005
Reviewer: A reader from Want To Get Up To €100 Free To Play Online? Try Out MyFreeChips.Com (Your Bonus Code Resource)
     Brunson is to poker what Brazil is to soccer. The same can be said for his game of choice, Texas Hold 'Em.' You see it on ESPN and in casinos all over America and it's become one of the most popular games in the world.
     Supersystem I used to sell for 100 bucks back when 100 bucks was worth twice was it is today. At this price, Super System 2 is a steal. I also find it to be surprisingly fresh even though his ideas are nearly 25 years old. The writing is not great. Its left and right bold print bangs you over the head a little bit, but, even so, the author's verve and style are incredibly appealing.
     From a technical standpoint, his techniques are unusual and very creative. Although, I can see why Brunson regretted publishing the book in the first place. Most of the things he says about No Limit I would not have thought up myself. Brunson's open style is preferable to Sklansky's closed and tight one in my mind. After you read it, you'll hear yourself saying again and again, "I came here to gamble."
     A strategically mixed, and adaptive, style is what made Brunson a double world champion in the first place. His wisdom is valid because even if one always waits for "the nuts" there's absolutely no guarantee that you'll win anything from them. Super System II has helped me be a better poker player and I'm sure it will help you. The only negative thing I can say about it is that its size makes it tough to transport and read, but, other than it, it's sterling.

REVIEWS

Good solid info for newbies, February 14, 2005
Reviewer: stuartst3 from Oxfordshire
     Been playing for about two weeks using the basic "Top Ten Hands" strategy outlined in the beginners section of this book. I've been really surprised how well I've been doing in single table tournaments with it. Hellmuth writes in a really easy-to-grasp style that anyone should be able to pick up quickly. I was reluctant to buy this book as I've seen the author on TV and he can be a bit of an arrogant jerk at times. I'm glad I put my prejudice to one side though. The guy certainly knows his stuff.

play poker like the pros, January 1, 2005
Reviewer: robskiski23 from gloucester, gloucetershire United Kingdom
     Having been playing online poker for a few months, i thought i would delve into buying some texts to extend my knowledge and help my play. After reading reviews i decided oin this book by phil hellmuth jr. If you are an absoplute novice, or a regular player, this book will offer you alot. It breaks things down very well, and has had me, at least, thinking about what i am doing alot more than i did than before i read it. A very good purchase, highly recommended.

As a beginner this book was the business., July 2, 2004
Reviewer: apgreenwood from Colchester, Suffolk United Kingdom      In the introduction to this book, the reader is told that they cannot just read it all the way through and expect to win at poker. You are told that to get the most from it you will need to read it slowly and go over parts of the book time and again.
     This has certainly been the case for this poker player who up to 3 months ago had not played poker at all. The main reason why this book worked so well for me is the way it is laid out. By having strategy for beginners then intermediate and finally advanced it allows you to learn at your own pace without being bogged down in strategies you can barely understand. In my opinion this format is the best way to do it as it shows the beginner what to concentrate on until they are comfortable enough to move up to the next level.
     The fact that there are no charts detailing table odds and the like to me is a positive. Phil in this book concentrates on teaching you how to play the hands you will be dealt and the thought processes you should use as the hand progresses to make decisions. Not confusing you by saying well if the table odds are this or if they are that.
     Thanks to this book I am now enjoy playing Texas Hold Em online, when my wife allows and I think it will do the same for you as long as you remember that reading this book alone cannot make you a great poker player, the way you approach it also has an effect.

Mixed feelings about this book, December 8, 2003
Reviewer: merlinme from London, London United Kingdom
     On the one hand, you can't argue with Phil's record as a poker player. And he does talk through a lot of interesting concepts quite clearly. But great players do not necessarily make great teachers, and while Phil is by no means the worst, he's not the best, either. Sometimes he says what you shouldn't do. and then gives an example where he (or another high level Pro) did the 'wrong' thing and got away with it. I'm not sure how helpful this is for the beginner. Again, he's a very instinctive player, with a very particular style. Poker is a game which is very hard to give hard and fast rules with, because it changes so much depending on your style of play (your 'table image') and on your opponents skill and aggressiveness. His animal analogies are interesting, but too often he doesn't explain _why_ he's re-raising the Jackal and not the Mouse. The style he describes for a beginning player (only play the top ten hands, be very aggressive) is sound enough; but very few beginners have the patience to fold 90% of the hands they're dealt. And I think someone who started off trying to use that very aggressive style with his 'intermediate' level (where you play somewhat weaker hands) could get themselves into all sorts of trouble. I'm not sure Phil always explains very clearly why certain tactics might work on some occasions more than others, either. He seems to be a player who relies a lot on reading his opponents, which takes a lot of practice and again, could get a beginner into a lot of trouble. By contrast, while I'm sure he understands pot odds, he mentions them about twice in the entire section on Hold'Em, and charts are pretty rare. Why do people who go all-in pre-flop in no limit hold'em do reasonably well? Phil won't tell you.
     On the positive side, he does describe a lot of very interesting points, and he covers a wide range of topics. The section on Omaha (a game I've not had much to do with) was interesting. So by all means buy it as a reasonably fun read that gets you thinking about some important ideas at a high level, and might introduce you to a few poker variations you weren't aware of. But I'd be very wary about treating it as a 'how to' book for a beginner. 'Winning Low Limit Hold'Em' (Lee Jones) is far better, giving you a fairly consistent message and style which should be enough to get you winning small amounts of money fairly quickly. If you prefer a different game to Hold'Em, again, there are far better places to start than 'Play Poker Like the Pros'.

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Tournament Poker for Advanced Players (Advance Player)
by David Sklansky


click the image to buy the book

REVIEWS

Advanced Player?, February 2, 2005
Reviewer: A reader from UK
     I have been playing poker for some time now and own a number of poker books. I bought this book as I believe myself to be an advanced player. However I dont think that this book has anything to offer to an advanced or even slightly better than average player as all of the concepts, plays and strategies are very basic and should already be known by anyone who has played regularly for about 6 months.

Ultra-reliable information, July 7, 2003
Reviewer: Owen Gard from London
     David Sklanksy is actually a very funny man (if you don't believe this look for his wry cardplayer articles about his experiences as a young player). Of course, this book is not very funny at all; it's written in the reassuringly dry style of all his other 2+2 efforts, but everything in the text is gold.
     It is obvious from this book why Sklansky is the leading theorist in poker: his ideas are insightful, and his writing is authoritative and so thoroughly researched that the reader has complete confidence in each point. For the UK player this is Sklanksy's most important collection since the seminal "Theory of Poker". (If you play mid-limit stud or hold'em then ".for the advanced player" is as important.)
     Do you think you know everything in here already? If you are a typical UK tournament poker you've got a lot to learn from this book. You probably know the "Gap Concept" between hands that can call a raise and those that can raise, but you aren't aware of situations where you should refrain from eliminating players (page 80). I'm certain that this particular play is unknown to the small-buyin tourney player as I get a strategy lecture for using it.
     This is the book that contains Sklansky's controversial article "The System" (page 122). In it, he implicitly attacks the no-limit structure in hold'em tournaments and gives case studies of amateur players neutralizing most of the professional's edge without post-flop betting. Subsequent articles (e.g. from D. Neagranu) have endorsed the message that Pot Limit is the more skillfull game, so perhaps "The System" presages the end of NLH's supremacy. (The Cadillac of Poker was driven to the top of the gambling heap by the Texas Road-Gambler's dominance of '70s poker, and might be considered a historical accident. If the championship events had been decided by the Californian players we'd all be studying NL lowball; which might be the game-of-the-future because its more TV friendly. In fact, some of the examples here are taken from lowball.)
     I have to quibble with the Sklansky/Malmuth house style. The fifth chapter is a deliberate rehash of the preceding material in the guise of "Questions & Answers", and to bulk-up the page count they re-use their old trick of inserting large images of the cards instead of describing them. However, if there exists any chance that you don't know everything already, an investment in this book will prove very profitable.

Read it, read it again, and then read it some more. , March 4, 2003
Reviewer: painer74 from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom
     Quite simply this will prove to be the greatest value purchase you will ever make as a poker player. The advice on the difference between being a good player and a good tournament player is nothing short of enlightening. Upon reading the first three chapters alone you should be able to spot those players at your table that exhibit strong tournament play and those who do not. The edge that this gives you is quite simply immense.
     If you follow the principles laid out in this book you will make money at the table. If you are already successful at the table and read this book then you will be more so. Put simply David Sklansky should really charge a commission on the extra money he helps you win as well as the cost of the book. It really is that good.
     If you want to win money at tournaments then buy this book. If you want to win tournaments then buy this book. If you're anyone other than Phil Hellmuth then buy this book. You won't regret it.