Dec. 11, 2004

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
-- Abigail Adams

What poker book should I get for someone for Christmas? Usually the question starts a scant week before the holiday, when folks remember they have to get something for somebody. But this year, it began before Thanksgiving, and because of the current interest in hold'em, gift buyers have a tremendous inventory from which to choose.

Keeping in mind that we are all somewhat biased in our opinions, I decided to spread the question out among others to find out which item they would buy if they had someone on their gift list who was a poker fan. By using this method, I've gathered a list of ten items recommended by others and untainted by my own preferences.

My friend Paul, who has been playing online poker for a tad less than a year recommends Poker on the Internet by Andrew Kinsman. "This is a great choice for someone who has live-action experience and is ready to try Internet poker," he explained. "This guy covers a lot of the basics without trying to teach you how to play the game, stuff you probably wouldn't even think of until you get to a site. He gives you information that ranges from the basics of downloading the necessary software to the definition of 'sit and go,' to bots to the rake, to cheating. These are things most of us had to figure out by hit and miss. If I were starting out again, I'd read this book first."

Howard Schwartz, the gambler's librarian and owner of the legendary Gambler's Book Shop in Las Vegas says, without hesitation, the one book he can safely recommend is Super/System by Doyle Brunson and friends. "It's got stuff for the beginner with heavy emphasis on the side of the experienced player," he notes. "After three decades, it's still the classic."

"Texas Hold'em Fundamentals for Winning by Fifth Street, bar none," says a player who goes by the name of Texas Bob. "I bought this video for my wife years ago when I was playing at the Gold Coast and she wanted to learn. Now she's out here with me every time I play. And she's a pretty consistent winner."

David D., is probably the most conservative guy in my stable of friends. He's the kind of fellow who shops around before buying, who double checks everything. "I say get any of the Wilson software programs," he recommends. "Turbo Texas Hold'em would be best since everybody wants to play hold'em anymore. You wouldn't want to operate on a person if you were in your first year of med school. You'd want some lessons, some practice runs with the experts before you took aim at someone's appendix. Well, poker's not a life and death thing but if you can get expert help and practice before you bet real money, you'll be doing yourself a big favor... . And if you plan to play online, then the practice will serve you twice."

"I'd just be giving that Dogs Playing Poker calendar," a railbird told me. "I don't know anything about the game but my boyfriend plays and he probably has all the books. I think he'd get a kick out of that thing. Kind of shabby chic, don't you think?"

There's no shortage of poker goodies this Christmas. Besides books, videos (they're finally getting to the DVD stage and phasing out VHS) and software, there are chips, table tops, cards, spinners, guards, dealer buttons, strategy cards and sheets.

The beginning player can benefit from a couple of quick charts such as the Texas Hold'em Game Board, a laminated sheet that offers quick advice based on position and cards. The advice is short and sweet, given with the understanding that it's been substantiated so there's no need to go into detail about the reasoning behind it.

Poker Smarts also puts out a very nice three-set package that consists of a wall size chart, a smaller desk-size chart and a perforated sheet of that can be broken down into business card size. The chart basically shows the 64 best starting hands and gives the expectation of winning with any two cards at a full table of players.

Of course this entire article has been directed toward those who want to see their friends and relatives win. If you're the opponent, you might say, "Humbug" to helping anyone improve her game. In that case, a good novel will suffice.

Happy holiday shopping. It's a sure bet the poker fan in your life will remember this year's gift for a long time.