Customer Reviews

Poker - Seven Card Stud, High-Low Split: Intermediate

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

 

 

The useful thing about this book is two pages of tables that show the odds of improving after three, four, five and six cards dealt in 7-card and 7-card high/low split. And there are some good basic points, partially explained, about the different betting rules when fighting for a split pot. However, there are a number of basic useful rules that are omitted (presumably those were covered in his "Intro" book, now out of print) AND he explains that "there are likely some errors" in his statistical tables for "I am not a trained mathematician."

The problem is that the material is poorly written and organized, partially explained and loaded with white space and off-the-topic comments. It is a small book with large, 12-point type and lots of blank space. I counted only 24 pages that actually contained poker information. Writing about "Fifth Street" when drawing on a low flush draw:
"Quite often the fifth street decision is a big one. When a great starting hand has caught some help and still has a chance to sweep, you are pressed to figure the odds and decide if you should continue. Supposed the A-3-6 of hearts has caught a black seven and a diamond queen. Should you play?
"You have counted four hearts that appeared, so there are six not accounted for. One other player has a better low porch than you have. Two fours, one two, and three fives have appeared. It is clear you now have a one-way hand since you only have about a 4% chance for a flush.
"This is one example of the pressure of fifth street. You do not have a good one-way hand, but it might make you a few dollars. You have to decide if it is worth the risk."

You also have to decide whether to buy this book--and that should be an easy decision. ...

I am an 8/b enthusiast, so even though the 1 star reviewer makes valid points, this book still has value, because it emphasizes fundamentals that are essential to becoming a winner such as scooping the pot and avoiding one-way and weak hands. There are errors in the table and the book would benefit from better organization, but I have read everything I could get my hands on for 8/b and I found new and worthwhile information. However, I wouldn't recommend this without first reading other material. A better choice for the intermediate would be Todd Brunson's Chapter in Super System 2. Thanks Todd Brunson, for such a wonderful and concise explanation of the game!