More Book Reviews
The Lives of Gamblers and Con MenFor those who just want to read about the survivors, the characters, the con men, here's a recommended list of outstanding gambling biographies with a thumbnail description of each.Three New and Compelling Poker BooksLooking for variety in poker books? Here are three different, yet each in its own way, fascinating books on the game for players who just can’t get enough as they learn or improve on their game. They cover three totally different aspects of the game yet provide plenty of information of value.Snyder's Poker Books Focus on Winning TournamentsArnold Snyder, more famous for his Blackbelt in Blackjack and other books on that game, has switched gears in recent years and now approaches poker—tournaments in particular--as a beatable, profit-making game.
Drawing Dead to a Gutshot: How to Talk Poker
by Brant Janeway
Everyone who has ever sat into a poker game for the first time knows the language is a bit different from everyday lingo. From ace-high to to brass Brazilian to Siegfried and Roy, to Zooted, Janeway gives the definition and origin of the game's colorful and unique terms. A clever presentation, perfect for trivia buffs, budding poker players.
Talking Poker Becomes a Hot Subject
Let's face it. No matter how much poker you see on TV, no matter how much time you spend playing online, you are not going to get the full flavor of poker until you learn the language. Beginners who
Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," is the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he has held since 1979. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry. Howard's website is www.gamblersbook.com move from a home poker game to a casino or cardroom should learn to "talk the talk" and understand poker lingo around them. Understanding the peculiar language of poker -- much of which doesn't even relate to cards or chips -- will help the newcomer gain the confidence needed to overcome the noise, lights and flash of a fast-paced cardroom.
Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," is the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he has held since 1979. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry. Howard's website is www.gamblersbook.com move from a home poker game to a casino or cardroom should learn to "talk the talk" and understand poker lingo around them. Understanding the peculiar language of poker -- much of which doesn't even relate to cards or chips -- will help the newcomer gain the confidence needed to overcome the noise, lights and flash of a fast-paced cardroom. True, TV commentators often explain some of the language such as "pocket rockets" (aces) or "over the top" (to raise or re-raise) but it's questionable whether or not that quick info will transfer to real life.
So it is that these and other sometimes puzzling or unclear terms are explained in two new books, both of which could well also be helpful to new dealers. These books are Drawing Dead to a Gutshot: How to Talk Poker by Brant Janeway (127 pages, paperbound, $12.95) and Poker Talk: How to Talk Poker Like a Pro (303 pages, paperbound $9.95) and they explore a whole new world of language for poker players.
Either book would make a fine gift item for a friend, a relative or for grandma who is discovering her hidden talent for bluffing and especially for the significant other who has to attend and watch you play poker but doesn't know a thing about the game.