Play Poker Like the Pros

Author: Phil Hellmuth
Published: 2003

Covering several forms of poker, the emphasis in this book is on Texas Hold'em, which is what I was most interested in. The examples work well enough at the beginner to intermediate levels, with clear listings of best hands. At the higher level, where the importance is more on playing the players versus the cards, the advice is all relative.

The stories told about hands and situations and styles of other players are very interesting. The book could have done with more of them and less imaginary hands.

The book is also short on statistical analysis. Interesting to see the top ten hands for beginners, but an explanation of why they are ranked in that order (how is A-K weaker than Q-Q yet stronger than J-J, or any other pair?) is missing.

An okay book for skimming though.