Book reviews : Brunson’s ‘Online Poker’ and Shoten’s ‘No-Limit Life’ - Both Invigorating Books

September 27th, 2005

Online Poker by Doyle Brunson 183pp w/bonus CD, $14.95 <BR><BR>No-Limit Life by Charlie Shoten 117pp, $19.95″><b>Online Poker by Doyle Brunson 183pp w/bonus CD, $14.95 <BR><BR>No-Limit Life by Charlie Shoten 117pp, $19.95</b> <p>World Series of Poker Champion Doyle Brunson’s Online Poker and Charlie Shoten’s No- Limit Life are new arrivals in poker literature and both have value for those who are serious about improving their game.</p> </p> <p>Brunson, whose reputation as a player and author (Super System, Super System 2) was established in the 1970s and which continues today, joins a new wave of authors advising the novice on what to expect in the world of online play; including more than two dozen poker strategies and identifying online “tells.” In a dozen concise, but well-illustrated chapters he discusses the impact of televised poker and how online poker now ushers in a new era.</p> </p> <p>One chapter offers a list of places to play with information on where you may learn to play or discuss the game and the benefits of online learning.</p> </p> <p>Brunson, ever the teacher, recommends how to download software, fund your account, and how to get a taste by playing small money before advancing to bigger.</p> </p> <p>The meatiest chapter focuses on the basic rules of play and procedures including how hold ‘em, Omaha and seven-stud and other games are played followed by an interesting discussion on why online play is worse than live play.</p> </p> <p>Eightpages later, Brunson re-focuses with two dozen reasons online poker is better (including the practice factor, more hands per hour, no tipping required, playing for smaller limits).</p> </p> <p>Brunson advises avoiding doing anything fancy in a game filled with weak players. “Online, you’ll find that opponents are treating poker a little more than bingo, paying attention to their own hands mostly and paying attention to you only a little or not at all … make obvious, strong decisions. Don’t try to be too fancy….”</p> </p> <p>This book might be subtitled Concise Online Poker. Brunson writes to the point — short sentences, common sense, direct — with examples and a world of experience to draw from. I highly recommend it to those motivated to try online poker and who have many a question about how to go about it properly.</p> </p> <p>Charlie Shoten is a positive thinker, an optimist, philosopher, and a solid no-limit player who has found peace within himself and has learned control, self-discipline and the power to focus during long poker sessions, especially those tournaments where many a play may “hit the wall” in regard to mental and physical stamina.</p> </p> <p>Many a player has gone on tilt or made a mental error because of fatigue.</p> </p> <p>Many players have not yet learned how to deal with bad beats, losses, damage to an ego and self-esteem. They selfdestruct for a variety of reasons.</p> </p> <p>Shoten has come to grips with the key factors. His book is not so much what cards to play and how but dealing with negativity, enhancing self-esteem, establishing “positive persona” at the tables, and learning how to avoid or bounce back from disasters. This might be called a “mind-clearing” book as it is filled with advice about positive thinking and how to apply the principles at the card table. The book has soul, depth of character.</p> </p> <p>It makes you look at yourself differently, putting poker, survival and quality life in proper perspective. I can’t guarantee you’ll become an overnight winner after reading the book, but you’ll certainly better understand that it takes more than luck and a big stack to win regularly.</p> <p class= Filed under: Poker News

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