You're a Bunch of Factors

I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread where people can discuss poker books, poker websites, poker software, either to bring it to the attention of others and (hopefully) provide a short review of said resource. I know i am always on the lookout for good poker resources!

[Edit: and for the curious, yes that IS my girlfriend in my pic, and yes those chocolate chips WERE delicous lol]

2+2.

Stop being a smart arse Aaron.


It's a good idea and there's more than just 2 + 2.

BigPete33 wrote:Stop being a smart arse Aaron.


It's a good idea and there's more than just 2 + 2.

Tis, but 2+2 has a lot of really, really good information.

I'd be open to hearing any other suggestions (note: I'm discounting a lot of strategy books that can be purchased from 2+2). If you're purely after strategy, there's no where else to look.

It's the assumption of "/thread" I was objecting to.

STFU.

For a true understanding of strategy and a way to improve your game vastly:
Card Runners/Stox Poker, Leggo and just about any other training sites.

More advanced thinking in these, especially in regards to the higher end meta game strategies and some of the intense maths and game theory behind the game.

So, I will kick it off...

Maybe not as people were pretty quick to post while i was writing this!

If I was asked to recommend ONE Poker book, my vote would go to 'Every Hand Revealed' by Gus Hansen.

Basically, Gus had a small digital recorder with him at the 2007 Aussie Millions (which he won) and took notes on each and every hand played, including stack sizes, positions etc. While not every hand is in the book the vast majority of them are. Its not a poker manual in the style of Harrington etc, but it is unique in giving extremely good insight into the thinking and mindset of a seasoned Pro.

A lot of people see Gus make seemingly impossble calls on TV, and think he just gets lucky, but after reading the book, you will know thats just not true...
And he's (sometimes brutally) honest, describing his play in one particular hand (and I quote) "I played this hand like a novice, a fish, an idiot!"
And for those who think Gus is an 'any 2 rags will do' kind of player: He actually lays down BigSlick preflop! Twice!

As one 'official review' of the book said: "Many people watching Gus play on TV say 'What the hell is he thinking?!' and after reading this book the answer is most certainly 'A hell of a lot!'"

The book is laid out in a great format: 1 chapter per day of play and 3 chapters for the Final Table: 7-3 players, 3handed and HU with an intro as to how he approaches each stage of the tournament and a recap of the day at the end of each chapter.

He does talk some pretty advanced strategy and poker logic, and imho this is a must read for anyone wanting to play serious tournament poker.

Finally, I have to say, some of the plays he pulls off MUST be because of his image... I can't imagine your average unknown (but pro) player pulling off some of his moves, but he still explains his logic and thinking behind the move. In one instance he calls an opponents push over his flop bet, purely based on what folding would have done to his table image! (sure he had him outstacked by something like 8:1, but hey...)

And on top of all that, its about a local tourney!
I've read it maybe 4 times now, and get somethin more out of it each time.
Enjoy...

AceLosesKing wrote:I'd be open to hearing any other suggestions (note: I'm discounting a lot of strategy books that can be purchased from 2+2). If you're purely after strategy, there's no where else to look.

Thats a pretty big statement!

It's a ridiculous statement (although 2 + 2 is indeed awesome), which is why I suggested he pull his head in as he doesn't know everything.

BigPete33 wrote:It's the assumption of "/thread" I was objecting to.

STFU.

Its not an assumption, as in, I think this is all that's needed, and no one else's opinion matters (which is what I think you were getting at). Anyways, I've removed it just for you Pete

AJG wrote:

AceLosesKing wrote:I'd be open to hearing any other suggestions (note: I'm discounting a lot of strategy books that can be purchased from 2+2). If you're purely after strategy, there's no where else to look.

Thats a pretty big statement!

It is, but its pretty close to the truth. Its the only poker forum I've come across that puts such large emphasis on giving stuff back to the community. You'll find many, many indepth articles on how to beat micro stakes, how to move up, STT/MTT strategy, cash strategy, dealing with the psychology of poker, training videos... anything you could ask for. And its all such great quality.

If you're looking for text based strategy, there's no where else to go. Of course there are sites such as Garth mentioned that will definitely help as well (videos). But if you're after real, honest, relevant poker strategy (from fellow players, at or above your skill level) there really isn't anywhere else to go.

If someone has found something better, please let me know.

That book sounds awesome. I remember watching the Aus Millions coverage of the year Gus won, and his musings into the tape recorder. Didn't know he turned it into a book!