Ryan Carter

Poker: The Real Deal
By: Phil Gordon

Phil Gordon shows you how to think like a poker player.

A new player who starts out reading books that only deal with starting requirements is missing out on a lot of information important to the growth of a poker player. Phil Gordon agreed with that and in Poker: The Real Deal he covers many of the topics a new player needs to know to think like a poker player.

Contrary to popular belief poker did not begin in 2002 with the start of the World Poker Tour. Poker has a very rich and interesting history that most players introduced during the poker boom are unaware of. In order to truly understand poker you need to know where it came from. Gordon offers a brief history of the game that that both new players and old will find interesting.

After covering the history of the game he uses the rest of the book the information and methods that will transform you from a TV newbie to a real poker player. His basic strategy guide offers a clearly written explanation that any new player should be able to grasp. It also offers some interesting nuggets of wisdom that makes it a worthwhile read for the more experienced player. If you have ever been confused about the etiquette and procedures of either live card room or online poker, Gordon also goes into details on these subjects. He closes the book with an interesting account of the World Series of Poker main event.

Gordon uses a style that is easy to read while keeping entertaining and amusing. If you are a fan of TV poker and are interested in stepping your game up to a higher level, this is the perfect book to make than transition. It covers enough basic material to not leave anyone behind, but also has enough gems that intermediate players can appreciate it as well.

You can purchase this book in the Poker Dynasty book store: Poker: The Real Deal