Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Poker

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, let me say that I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The fact that it is inexpensive is an immediate bonus but also, Mr. Glazer, has strong writing skills and the pages are very accessible. If you're not in the mood for concentrating you could even scan it, because, as is true with all of the "Idiot's Guide" series, "Poker" has little subgroupings that allow for quick digestion. In this edition, they're little boxes called "the inside straight, table talk" and "perilous play." Each page is full of advice and tips. It's a belly busting value play if you ask me.

As far as particulars are concerned, Glazer exposes us to all of the intricacies of the poker omniculture. There isn't a game, style, or concept that he doesn't devote words to. What I personally found most useful were his discussions about the internet and tournaments. He really does a great job explaining to the reader what exactly goes on in a tournament. It's very hard to know if you're just watching ESPN or the Travel Channel as to what exactly is transpiring behind the scenes. Previously the methodology behind tournament payouts was a mystery to me. His section on player personalities was memorable as well.

I just started playing Poker a week ago and wanted a really simple explantion of the game. This book did the trick. It opened up my eyes to different types of games, styles of play and where to play.

If you are looking for a simple general overview into the world of Poker, this is it.

p.s.
Once you have chosen the type of Poker you want to play, Glazer gives excellent great reads in his Appendix.

I gave this book only two stars because the publishers own product description suggests this book is helpful to beginners, including helping the beginner with 5-card draw and 7-card stud. Nothing could be further from the truth, and I defy anyone to show me where the basics of 5-card draw are to be found in this book.

I am now into just the first few pages of the following book:How to Play Poker: And Other Gambling Card Games and know more about the basics of poker than I did after reading all 400-plus pages of "The Idiots Guide". For example, in "How to Play Poker" on page 16, the author explains that the role of dealer moves one position to the left after each hand in most poker games...very basic, very essential; not mentioned once in "The Idiot's Guide" (not that I could find). "The Idiot's Guide" is of most use to advanced players, I should think, but even in this respect, I would be dubious. I think the book suffers from a lack of coherent theme, or target audience. It's a solution looking for a problem.

I had not played poker for about 7 years before I bought this book. It was useful refresh my skills and would be excellent for anyone who has never played poker before.