Still, "Dummies" deconstructs money management myths, gives good advice such as when and why to keep or dump, and explains why calling is often worth the investment. Their take on bluffing was enlightening too, but watch it when playing your Wednesday night chums, a.k.a. people who don't know when they're beat.
It's a decent entryway with some good nuggets, but I'll refine them elsewhere.
I Tchyd, Los Angeles
Unfortunately we've also given the world "How To" books. And their most recent obnoxious incarnations, the "Zen in the Art of---" and the "---For Dummies" series.
However this one's not bad at all. I wish some of the reviewers who disliked it could name a better beginner's book--though I concede that if you play for money against some pros following the instructions given you might conclude you should have bought "Poker for Morons" instead.
(Do not despair. The real morons are playing Baccarat following amazing systems that enable them to count to 9 )
If, after reading Lou, you decide to keep on and take the plunge might I also suggest Lee Jones 'Winning Low Limit Hold 'Em '--a book which gives strict advice on the most popular form of Poker nowdays and which cannot possibly work because everyone has read it and feels obliged to deviate from it because they know everyone else has read it too, consequently, it does work. (did you folow that?)
Also consider buying Slansky's 'The Theory of Poker' regarded as 'The Bible' especially if you're a math-geek who can already discourse on the difference between probability and odds.
Otherwise just consider it but don't buy it. Carson's 'The Complete Book of Hold'em Poker' should also keep you busy for a few months, as well as anything written by Ciaffone, and by then you should be ready to enter the World Series of Poker.
Well, soon enough, anyway.
Seriously, if you can break even after playing cardroom poker in your first year, you're doing great. (If you can get a bunch of rich dolts to come over to your place on Friday nights and play Anaconda or a sillier variation you're doing even better but don't count on it.)
Lou's book is a good overview and he does list up to date internet groups which provide links to discussions and articles which will keep you addicted forever. Just remember that over the long run, it's all about skill, not hunches. Besides, it's bad luck to be superstitious.
the wizard of uz
