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Poker: The Real Deal | 
 enlarge | Authors: Phil Gordon, Jonathan Grotenstein
Creator: Jon Favreau
Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy Used: $0.46
You Save: $19.49 (98%)
New (55) Used (66) Collectible (3) from $0.46
Avg. Customer Rating:  29 reviews
Sales Rank: 57038
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 9 x 5 x 1
ISBN: 0689875908
Dewey Decimal Number: 795.412
EAN: 9780689875908
ASIN: 0689875908
Publication Date: September 21, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Standard used condition.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Like a secret society, poker has its own language and customs -- its own governing logic and rules of etiquette that the uninitiated may find intimidating. It's a game of skill, and playing well depends on more than just a good hand or the ability to hide emotion. The first step toward developing a style of play worthy of the greats is learning to think like a poker player. In a game where there are no absolutes, mastering the basics is only the beginning -- being able to pull off the strategy and theatrics is the difference between legendary wins and epic failure.
Download Description
"Like a secret society, poker has its own language and customs -- its own governing logic and rules of etiquette that the uninitiated may find intimidating. It's a game of skill, and playing well depends on more than just a good hand or the ability to hide emotion. The first step toward developing a style of play worthy of the greats is learning to think like a poker player. In a game where there are no absolutes, mastering the basics is only the beginning -- being able to pull off the strategy and theatrics is the difference between legendary wins and epic failure. "
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| Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...
 Very good starting point March 19, 2008
I'm a relative newcomer to poker and after reading reviews on Amazon, I chose this as my starting point to start reading in order to improve my game.
The other reviews are spot on, this is an excellent starting point, for the following reasons:
1) It's extremely easy to read. It's well written, and it's peppered with interesting scenarios and anecdotes that keep it from getting boring. I breezed through it in a few days.
2) It's not jam packed with statistics, yet at the same time covers the basics. I'm sure in depth statistics are necessary for more advanced players, but for a beginner they can be overwhelming. The book does provide some very basic statistics, such as the calculation of "pot odds" in order to determine when to chase a drawing hand.
3) It covers a very wide range of topics, from a basic overview of the game, the types of equipment you need (incl brand names of cards and chips), how to host a home game, a description of casino cardrooms, how professional tourneys work, the world series, etc. It also of course has a number of chapters on how to play a game, such as how to think like a poker player, and a brief description of a number of different poker strategies and when they can be used.
4) Finally, it contains a number of references for additional reading. Like I said, this is an introductory book, and I plan to follow it up with additional reading.
I also purchased Slansky's "The Theory of Poker" and Caro's "Poker Tells", both also recommended by amazon reviews (and both recommended by Gordon in this book), and I'm very glad I started with this one.
One note though, this isn't a big issue but the majority of the book focuses on limit hold-em. Many (if not the majority) of the concepts are applicable to other poker games, but I think it's worth noting that the vast majority of the examples are limit Hold 'em and I don't believe that is mentioned anywhere on the book's cover.
A Good Start October 8, 2007
Among the very best hold'em poker books for beginners. Good advice and clear examples make this a must have for those who want to learn and improve their game. Even for intermediate players it's a good refresher and ensures your fundamentals are rock solid. Easy to read and enjoyable to boot!!
Top 3 poker book January 12, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Of all the poker authorities out there, I'll put Phil Gordon in the top three, along with Brunson & Sklansky. Without being arrogant or aloof, he explains the history and techniques of the game. He explains the odds and math in very simple terms that anyone can understand and benifit from. Phil walks you through the stages of learning the game. You learn how to play on line and setting up your own home game. He then walks you through moving from low to middle limit games. "The Real Deal" will definitely step your game up a few levels. This is a great addition to anyone's poker library.
For the beginner December 30, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This page a day calendar was useful but a little light on poker strategy. It won't be something I'd suggest buying for it's information but as a page a day calendar it was fun and sometimes informative. I'd suggest a Phil Gordon page a day calendar to anyone interested in poker.
 No book can teach you everything about Poker, but this is a great start. November 8, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Being a novice at poker, I bought this book expecting to find some very basic, not too complicated strategies on how to win at poker. Instead, I found a book that introduces some of the mathematical complexities of the game and in doing so, forced me to think more about the science of poker rather than the luck of poker. I have read this book many times and each time I learn more. I believe this book is excellent in that you have to read it more than once to understand it.
Phil also sent me an autographed photo, personalized. I am impressed, he is the ambassador to poker that poker needs.
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