Ace on the River: An Advanced Poker Guide, Barry Greenstein
Already when opening the parcel with the book in it you see that 'Ace on the River' is no normal poker book. It is of high quality, printed on expensive paper and feels much heavier in the hand than you would expect. This is the first poker book which the reviewer (who has clocked up over 20 other books) first browsed through to look at the great photos. The book is peppered with interesting photos of poker professionals, impressions of Las Vegas, the Casinos and casino employees. The first impression is therefore very positive and raises ones hopes of a good read! The author, Barry Greenstein is known as the 'Robin Hood of Poker' because he always donated his winnings from all tournaments to charitable institutions (mainly Children Incorporated). He is one of the most successful tournament and cash game players ever. He has won millions at cash games (which is why he can afford to donate his winnings) and has already won two WSOP bracelets. At the start of his career many of his opponents thought he was a multi-millionaire because he was one of the first programmers at Symantec. Barry worked there but only to finance the start of his own poker career and left the company before he had time to become 'filthy rich'.
And now to the book itself: it is soon clear that Barry Greenstein considers the game of poker not to be a card game but more a way of life. The first 130 pages are devoted to the philosophy of poker. Greenstein illuminates many areas of poker. Individual topics are e.g. dealing with money, honesty, gambling, poker and sexuality (yes, this can also be part of the game ...), and the poker player’s own family etc… On the next 150 pages Greenstein deals with 'Advanced Play'. The title is not randomly chosen because it really does concern ‘Advanced Play’! He does not explain stuff for beginners like ‘Pot Odds’ but goes straight to detail on individual subjects like how to maximize one’s profit. The hands described will not be understood by beginners. The novice will perhaps understand the text but not what Greenstein really tries to convey (I wonder what I will think about this when I reread the book in one years time…). Poker experience (at least one year of intensive internet and live play) is needed to understand his meaning. Good stud knowledge is also required because many concepts are illustrated using stud hands.
’Ace on the River’ is an absolute must for anyone who is really serious about poker! It shows any 'wannabe professional' what a broad range of skills you have to master in order even to think about becoming a professional.
For all others, it is purely a wonderful poker book which in peaceful moments can be thumbed through and enjoyed. For the price of this book you would not expect this high quality volume! The price performance ratio is very convincing.
This would make an ideal gift for any poker player who has a reasonable knowledge of English.
