Rating: 
Summary: A Fair-to-Middling Guide
Review: "Poker for Dummies" is a reference primer that merits reading for the rube, but it's marred by embarrassing mistakes (their sample deal of Omaha/8 shows three cards of the same rank and suit), and some half-baked stratagems: would you play against someone who carried a game notepad, as they recommend? Still, "Dummies" deconstructs money management myths, gives good advice re. when and why to keep or dump, and explains why calling is often worth the investment. Their take on bluffing was enlightening too, but watch it when playing your Wednesday night chums, a.k.a. people who don't know when they're beat. It's a decent entryway with some good nuggets, but I'll refine them elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Poker Books, the next best thing to being there . . .
Review: America has given the world Freedom, Bourbon, Hollywood, Baseball and Poker. Unfortunately we've also given the world "How To" books. And their most recent obnoxious incarnations, the "Zen in the Art of---" and the "---For Dummies" series. However this one's not bad at all. I wish some of the reviewers who disliked it could name a better beginner's book--though I concede that if you play for money against some pros following the instructions given you might conclude you should have bought "Poker for Morons" instead. (Do not despair. The real morons are playing Baccarat following amazing systems that enable them to count to 9 ) If, after reading Lou, you decide to keep on and take the plunge might I also suggest Lee Jones 'Winning Low Limit Hold 'Em '--a book which gives strict advice on the most popular form of Poker nowdays and which cannot possibly work because everyone has read it and feels obliged to deviate from it because they know everyone else has read it too, consequently, it does work. (did you folow that?) Also consider buying Slansky's 'The Theory of Poker' regarded as 'The Bible' especially if you're a math-geek who can already discourse on the difference between probability and odds. Otherwise just consider it but don't buy it. Carson's 'The Complete Book of Hold 'Em Poker' should also keep you busy for a few months, as well as anything written by Ciaffone, and by then you should be ready to enter the World Series of Poker. Well, soon enough, anyway. Seriously, if you can break even after playing cardroom poker in your first year, you're doing great. (If you can get a bunch of rich dolts to come over to your place on Friday nights and play Anaconda or a sillier variation you're doing even better but don't count on it.) Lou's book is a good overview and he does list up to date internet groups which provide links to discussions and articles which will keep you addicted forever. Just remember that over the long run, it's all about skill, not hunches. Besides, it's bad luck to be superstitious.
Rating:
Summary: Poker Books, the next best thing to being there . . .
Review: America has given the world Freedom, Bourbon, Hollywood, Baseball and Poker. Unfortunately we've also given the world "How To" books. And their most recent obnoxious incarnations, the "Zen in the Art of---" and the "---For Dummies" series. However this one's not bad at all. I wish some of the reviewers who disliked it could name a better beginner's book--though I concede that if you play for money against some pros following the instructions given you might conclude you should have bought "Poker for Morons" instead. (Do not despair. The real morons are playing Baccarat following amazing systems that enable them to count to 9 ) If, after reading Lou, you decide to keep on and take the plunge might I also suggest Lee Jones 'Winning Low Limit Hold 'Em '--a book which gives strict advice on the most popular form of Poker nowdays and which cannot possibly work because everyone has read it and feels obliged to deviate from it because they know everyone else has read it too, consequently, it does work. (did you folow that?) Also consider buying Slansky's 'The Theory of Poker' regarded as 'The Bible' especially if you're a math-geek who can already discourse on the difference between probability and odds. Otherwise just consider it but don't buy it. Carson's 'The Complete Book of Hold 'Em Poker' should also keep you busy for a few months, as well as anything written by Ciaffone, and by then you should be ready to enter the World Series of Poker. Well, soon enough, anyway. Seriously, if you can break even after playing cardroom poker in your first year, you're doing great. (If you can get a bunch of rich dolts to come over to your place on Friday nights and play Anaconda or a sillier variation you're doing even better but don't count on it.) Lou's book is a good overview and he does list up to date internet groups which provide links to discussions and articles which will keep you addicted forever. Just remember that over the long run, it's all about skill, not hunches. Besides, it's bad luck to be superstitious.
Rating:
Summary: This won't be the only book in your collection...
Review: As a relative newbie to the world of poker, I was looking for an easy-to-understand introductory text to the game. The book worked well in explaining the essentials (hand rankings, object of the game, rules for the variations of the game, etc.). The starting-hand tables were actually pretty good, too (especially for a beginner). However, one must keep in mind that this book isn't meant to be the sole title in your poker library. The book touches on many, many topics (ranging from strategy to history to professional poker). But, it doesn't cover any of those topics completely (nor does it intend to). If you understand the game and have some experience, you're probably pretty safe to move onto a more advanced title. However, if you're looking to get your feet wet, Poker for Dummies is a definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for all skill levels!
Review: At first, I felt a little sheepish putting this title between my copies of David Sklansky's "Theory of Poker" and Mike Caro's "Fundamentals of Winning Poker," but this is a very serious and very excellent poker title. There are individual chapters on strategy for the most popular casino games (Texas Hold 'Em, Seven Stud, Seven Stud/8, Omaha/8), all of which were very clear and helpful. However, unlike any title I've seen before, this book is a COMPLETE reference, including chapters on poker tournaments, becoming a pro, Internet poker, and even video poker (which my mother found excessively useful). Like all "Dummies" books, there are entertaining sidebars about great games, poker legends, etc. All in all, this is an entertaining book filled with invaulable information for all levels of play. Highly reccomended!
Rating:
Summary: Great for all skill levels!
Review: At first, I felt a little sheepish putting this title between my copies of David Sklansky's "Theory of Poker" and Mike Caro's "Fundamentals of Winning Poker," but this is a very serious and very excellent poker title. There are individual chapters on strategy for the most popular casino games (Texas Hold 'Em, Seven Stud, Seven Stud/8, Omaha/8), all of which were very clear and helpful. However, unlike any title I've seen before, this book is a COMPLETE reference, including chapters on poker tournaments, becoming a pro, Internet poker, and even video poker (which my mother found excessively useful). Like all "Dummies" books, there are entertaining sidebars about great games, poker legends, etc. All in all, this is an entertaining book filled with invaulable information for all levels of play. Highly reccomended!
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: Before I read this great book, I had been playing poker a few times a week for about a year. I was pretty much gambling with little to no strategy. Like most beginners, I thought I knew what I was doing. After a few months of playing, poker quite honestly frustrated me. I would have some really lucky nights, and then a long streak of bad nights. I certainly lost more money than I put in. At this point, it was either give up, or get better.
I then found Poker for Dummies. Contrary to the opinions of others, I found this book to be the perfect beginners poker book. Much of the book shows how to play the most popular poker games, like stud, hold'em, Omaha, etc. There are also some sections for advanced strategies. I think any player can benefit from reading this. Was this book effective? Absolutely! After reading a few chapters, my game improved dramatically. Because of the easy reference format, I could find the specific areas I needed improving in. For example, if I needed some more info on starting hands, all I have to do is flip to the hold'em chapter and find the starting hands page. Since I have read this book, I have stopped gambling and started playing my odds. If you are tired of losing and want a good place to start improving your game, look no further.
Rating:
Summary: My first book but a great one
Review: Besides teaching me the bare basics of winning poker, this book seriously jump-started my interest in Poker. I just picked up this book when I saw it and thought I might get an edge over the people in my poker group. Already I am cleaning out their pockets. Now I'm looking to get more advanced books so I can head up to the Taj for some Hold 'em action. I used to think all poker was bluffing like in the wild west... I never would have thought playing a computer could be valuable to my poker game. I couldn't have been more wrong. Get this book; it will improve your poker game if you've never read a poker book before.
Rating:
Summary: Beginners start here
Review: I bought this book with "Fundamentals of Poker." This was a better buy for the information. As a true beginner, I wanted the biggest bang for the buck, and I got it here. For the beginner/novice, start here. A good read offering a sound foundation for the neophyte, I hope!
Rating:
Summary: Great book for beginners
Review: I had never played poker in a casino before, just some nickel games with some friends while I was drinking. This book showed me how to play and showed me that if I'm willing to practice and willing to be patient I can be a competent player and maybe win some money. I've bought several books since then and played quite a few hours at nearby casinos and this is the book that I review on the way. If you know how to play well this is a handy reference if you aren't able to play frequently.
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