Poker Book Review: Zen and the Art of Poker by Larry W. Phillips

Anyone who has read books on the martial arts, the psychology of playing the stock market, "real" Zen Buddhism, or almost any self-improvement book will find much familiar territory here. Just because the advice is given a lot does not mean that the advice is bad. Stay in the "now," concentrate, play your own game. Good advice.

Phillips has produced an easy read that covers topics like taking the long view, the importance of calmness, staying detached, getting into the rhythm of the game, not hesitating, respecting your opponents, and understanding why you are in the game in the first place. He peppers the chapters with quotes from Zen masters, athletes, and gamblers.

Reading parts of this book can be especially valuable when you're in the middle of one of those seemingly interminable runs of bad cards. Remember . . . a happy man is a man who grins. - Charles Miller - San Jose Ca

This book is helpful if you really have trouble managing your emotions at the poker table. It's more of a "chicken soup..." type book than a book that can lead to improved poker play, that is, unless you're having trouble with the emotions of the game. It's not even an enjoyable read. Read "Zen and the Martial Arts" by Joe Hyams if you're looking for a good zen book, and basically any other poker book if you're looking to master poker concepts.

J. O'Sullivan, Boston


Second Opinion
Well, this certainly is not the first book you should buy concerning poker, but it is definitely an illuminating read. The concepts will be appreciated by the intermediate to advanced player but their clarity is so pronounced that practically anyone can get something out of its pages. Phillips has an original and creative approach to the game which can best be compared to David Apostolico's poker tributes to The Art of War and The Prince.

However, Zen and the Art of Poker is superior to both of these works due to its directness and focus. Some of the observations made by Apostolico I found contrived and their effect was that he was "trying too hard." Here, you find that the connection between the practices of Zen and those of an outstanding poker player are fairly obvious. Phillips' advice regarding folding and the need for patience is very practical and of great benefit. Without patience, one is on the road to living in the gutter. His take on the need to avoiding feeling like a martyr when you don't get good cards for an entire night was valuable along with the notion that losing is a part of everyone's game.

Yes, unlike Michael Jordan's habit of finding the zone, in poker, you lack a great deal of control regarding outcome. One's will and the discrepancy between talent levels only goes so far as the randomicity of the cards has much to do with how successful you'll be. His "two steps forward one back" for the pros is great, but is undoubtedly an understatement of how much even they lose. Barry Greenstein, in his book, stated that he wins only 58 percent of the time in ring games which means that one of our most affluent and skilled practitioners appears quite human 42 percent of the time.

Phillips explanation for the importance of being aggressive, deceptive, and betting out your best hands I found to be inspirational. A pleasant side effect of reading this book is that, while learning more about poker you also get to learn plenty about Zen, which, for me at least, made the purchase well worth it.

Bernard Chapin "Ora Et Labora!"

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