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 Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide by Barry Greenstein, Doyle Brunson
Anyone who knows anything about poker will know the name Barry Greenstein. He has been playing poker for more than 30 years and has been seen in most of the big games in the last decade or more. A mainstay in poker he has written and c0-written a few best selling books and this book originally was to be only one chapter in the sequel to Brunson's 'Super System,' however when the rough draft reached epic proportions for a single chapter, it just naturally evolved into its own book.
This is not by any means your classic book on poker strategy and techniques. In fact if you are looking for instruction and tips on this matter you should look elsewhere than Ace on the River. What this book isn't is not the case and what matters is what this book is. And that is a fascinating look into the mind of a master poker player and how that sort of player thinks.
The book is broken down into three parts. Part one goes into the background of poker and the people in this society. It talks briefly on the superstitions of certain people in the poker society and also has a small biography on Greenstein's life in poker.
Part two discusses the philosophy of poker. Not really into strategy or tactics, rather the psychology of advance players and how to avoid some common pitfalls such as avoiding sports betting as it can askew your method of thinking when at the table.
Part three is the actual meat of the book. Discussed are math and game theory, internet poker, tournaments, specific strategic advice, and some no-limit tournament hands. I particularly think that the section on no-limit tournaments is invaluable and wished there were more along these lines in this book or perhaps a sequel.
Greenstein's analysis and strategic advice are fantastic and to get just a hint of this in this book is almost frustrating as it leaves you wanting for more. However, given that I would still recommend the book as there is still value in the concept and a true joy for the poker enthusiast.
Beginners may also love this book but don't read it as your first introduction to the world of poker as you will not appreciate the trials that Greenstein has gone through and relate as well as you can after playing the game for a while.
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