The name Phil Hellmuth (who does not know the WSOP record title winner?) may be big on the cover with a matching photo but he is not the author. The book was written by FBI Agent Joe Navarro (specialty: non-verbal communication) with the assistance of Marvin Karlins. The book deals exclusively with the psychology of poker.
The book ‘Read'em and Reap’ deals first briefly with the reasons (function of the brain, defensive reflexes, etc.) why a player can inadvertently disclose information. Phil Hellmuth then describes situations that he has experienced in which ‘tells’ have been of benefit or where something was completely misinterpreted. Phil gives personal and valuable tips on how and when ‘tells’ should be taken into account. Unlike Caros Book of Poker Tells, the authors are not tying to give pseudoscientific figures valuing such ‘tells’. They point out that a combination of physical ‘tells’ needs to be heeded so that they may be classed as authentic (single ‘tells’ can be feigned but in combination they are usually genuine!). Especially valuable is the chapter explaining how ‘tells’ can be avoided! The book contains instructions on how, step by step, ‘tells’ can be hidden!
After reading this book you will know why Phil Hellmuth dresses as he does, why he sits as he does and why he never speaks during a hand except to try and gather information from his opponents!
A good knowledge of the English language is needed as vocabulary of the human anatomy is required and types of behavior are described in great detail. This sort of knowledge, in order to really understand the book, is only learnt by attending English classes for more than just a few years.
The investment will be paid back in a couple of poker evenings - guaranteed! If you only want to read one book on ‘tells’ then read this one and forget about Caros Book of Poker Tells!
