Steve Forte explains how cheaters operate today and how the grifters operated a century ago. The chapter discussing tournament play, the chance of collusion; how final table deals may occur and the often heard term "chip dumping" along with deliberate slow play should alert novice players, inexperienced supervisors or tournament organizers what might devastate their casino or reputation. Additional coverage includes Random Number Generators, the "core of every online poker hand," with an explanation of how serious security issues surfaced in 1999 and a valuable checklist of items to consider before sitting down in someone's home, in a private game or at a fraternal organization.

To win at poker in today's modern game requires not only numerous skills, but also lots of thinking about he game. The book is designed to make the reader do a great deal of thinking. Few readers will agree with everything said, but the information provided should help people become better players. This text contains many of the author's ideas on poker and related subjects. Topics covered include General Concepts, Technical Ideas, Structure, Strategic Ideas, Image, Tournament Notes, In the Cardrooms, and Poker Quizzes. In addition, advice is offered on jackpot games, handling pressure, why you lose, fluctuations, bankroll requirements, differences between stud and hold'em, too many bad players, limit versus no-limit, thinking fast, weak tight opponents, the best hold'em seat, playing short handed, playing loose or tight, appropriate image, being an alternate in tournaments, taking advantage of tight play in tournaments, behaving professionally, the future of poker, and much more.