One
of the all-time, most-sought-after, out-of-print poker books of
the past 20 years has re-emerged at Gambler’s Book Shop. Anthony
Holden’s Big Deal, published originally in 1990 now
published again in 2002 (384 pages, paperbound, $15), was so sought
after in recent years, buyers were offering more than $50 for a
used copy. The author has style and an eye for detail and the ability
to remember colorful quotes and the mind set of world- class poker
players, in Las Vegas and elsewhere. So it is that players from
the novice to the pro enjoyed his original work and continued over
the years to recommend it.
Holden, a British
Royal family biographer with wit, sharp observational skills (including
his own at the poker tables of places like Malta and Morocco), not
only gained the trust of world-class poker players like Amarillo
Slim Preston (not that Slim has ever been at a loss for words),
but also is able to describe the glitz and glitter of every classy
casino and card room he plays in. He brings you right to his table,
some of which are in some of the most respected carpet joints on
three continents. He lets you see his bankroll as it grows and dwindles;
he lets you hear his sighs of relief. He lets you feel what it’s
like to make a big bet or face a big one? You can almost feel his
hands sweat while he tries to figure the odds—call, raise
or fold?
Holden is able
to describe how the world class “survivors,” have, over
the years developed skills the books can’t teach you—instinct,
the ability to read “tells” and how they maintain a
living after so many endless, uncountable hours at the tables—in
side games, tournaments, private games.
Along the way,
he imparts solid advice—analyzing his triumphs and mistakes.
This is a fine gift book and one that offers lessons about the game
through the eyes of a journalist who has learned to love it, as
did Al Alvarez in The Biggest Game in Town (also now back
in print) and the late David Spanier.
Books reviewed
here are available from Gambler’s Book Shop, 630 South 11th
Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. You may order using a Master Card,
VISA or Discover card (no American Express accepted) by calling
1-800-522-1777 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through
Saturday. You may also order via the store’s web site at www.gamblersbook.com
anytime, using the credit cards indicated, where you may also view
another 1,000 books in 30 other areas of gambling, plus videos and
computer software. |