PREFACE
This book is a concise guide to the rapidly expanding world of Texas Hold’em Poker. It provides an overview, vocabulary, and concepts that are essential to the play of Texas Hold’em, and to reading and interpreting the complex literature on the game. My motivation is to provide a guide to Texas Hold’em that informs readers without overwhelming them.
For the beginner: This book will teach the rules of Hold’em poker, conduct in both public cardrooms and online poker games, the fundamental tactics and strategies for play, and point you towards further resources, both in print and online.
For the experienced player: This book is meant to provide a framework for thinking about Hold’em poker and serve as a reference. Carefully planned tables, charts, graphs, illustrations, and strategic summaries are provided to efficiently assist players in their real-time poker decisions. With the growth of online poker in recent years, it is possible for players to have charts and tables in front of them while they play. Some of these charts were designed with that use in mind.
Some features unique to this book are:
A discussion of online poker that includes how to set up to play online, the differences between online and in-person poker (Chapter 3), and where to go for online poker (Chapter 10).
A strategy section that explains how to adjust your play to different game conditions. Successful poker players use a dynamic approach, constantly fine-tuning their play to prevailing game conditions. Included is a game observation form for online Hold’em that is used to focus your strategic thinking before you enter a game (Chapter 6).
A section with essays on mathematical and psychological considerations necessary for success. A series of stories are told that illustrate key concepts in action. These vignettes, mostly real-life examples, should aid the reader in putting into practice all the principles and information contained in this book (Chapters 7–8).
Reviews of books and web sites. Do you want to know about other books on poker, purchase poker products, or locate a cardroom nearest your home or place where you plan to travel? You will find all of this information (Chapters 9–10).
A quick explanation of common Hold’em variants such as Omaha and Pineapple, (Appendix I) and Poker Tournaments (Appendix II).
Texas Hold’em poker is a complex and subtle game. Simply following a set of instructions will not make you a successful player. Mastering the game requires hours of both study and practice, and a commitment to a long-term, disciplined approach to play. This book is a road map to use on your journey.
Sam Braids
February 2003
