GREENSTEIN’S ACE ON THE RIVER -- POWERFUL ADVICE FOR CASH PLAYERS and BLUE RIBBON COLLEGE FOOTBALL YEARBOOK EXPLODES WITH IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS, Book reviews by Howard Schwartz (Manager of the Gambler's Book Shop in Las Vegas)
GREENSTEIN’S ACE ON THE RIVER -- POWERFUL ADVICE FOR CASH PLAYERS, By Howard Schwartz
Barry Greenstein, one of poker’s most successful, respected money players on the planet--and a top tournament player as well—ranks among the most regarded, educated and unorthodox individuals ever to play the game. Doyle Brunson calls him "the consummate professional poker player," adding, "His attitude, demeanor at the table, and approach to the game sets him apart from most pros." Brunson considers Greenstein in his "top ten all-time best poker players." And as an example of what the man is like, you should understand that Greenstein does something few players do. He contributes his tournament winnings to charities--most keyed to children.
His first book, Ace on the River (316 pages, paperbound, $25) has just been published. It is, in Greenstein's own words, designed "for professional poker players and those aspiring to become professionals."
He is blunt and honest in his approach to the game. "Many assertions in the book are not based on scientific study or mathematical proof. They are only the results of my observations." (He did write computer programs to verify some of the material with the results available on his web site).
Greenstein’s background is fascinating. Although he won't admit to being a genius, he probably is. He began playing poker at age 12. He would earn a college degree in three years and would spend another decade earning a graduate degree in mathematics (while playing poker). In many ways, Greenstein might be called "brutally honest" when writing about his own life--his victories and losses; the people he met, who influenced him; who he learned from.
The book is an extraordinary mixture of preparation-to-survive material; an inside look at a world unto itself because only the sharpest survive to fight another day and advice from one of the best ever.
Who are the casino personnel you'll eventually encounter as a pro; what percentage of the playing "community" are pros; what are stake horses; who are the wannabes; who are the hangers-on; the predators?
Greenstein discusses superstition; attitude (handling issues in your life mirrors how you will play poker); survival tips ("adjustments"); what separates winners from losers; why poker is a game of personalities; why poker players "tend to be borderline compulsive and why most poker players don't have "a long term plan to improve their playing ability."
For many who want to cut to the chase--get to the point immediately--, Chapter 11, Making Money, gets it all going, followed by Holding Onto Your Money.
Here, Greenstein warns and advises poker players who often get involved in sports betting of the dangers; discusses how to protect against cheaters; and expresses why family support and regard for your own family should be "first priority."
One provocative chapter involves the controversy of who the best player in the world is and how that determination can ever be made.
Greenstein examines the role of gambling in society, throughout history and how poker has taught him to analyze issues from different perspectives.
Just how much mathematical ability is required to become a good player? Is it more important to be able to think logically? Can mathematics be misused at the tables? Does mastery of the concepts of game theory "separate the top players" from the rest?
The book discusses money management; presents "play lessons" such as "You often play the same hand differently against different opponents or under different circumstances," and how to recognize scare cards that may allows you to bluff opponents.
Packed with color photos, nice large, easy to read type, the book mixes in innovative ideas with personal experience and sample hands. It is a rare combination of intuition, the need to teach--to help players improve their game--and their approach to life.
The section on No-Limit Tournament Hands is one of the best, along with Tables for Hold'em After the Flop (if the number of outs is known, what is the chance of winning?) and a look at typical drawing hands that produce a certain number of outs on the flop.
Bottom line, quoting Brunson about this special book: "...contains a lot of stuff I knew but had never seen written."
My sentiments, exactly, Bravo Greenstein.
BLUE RIBBON COLLEGE FOOTBALL YEARBOOK EXPLODES WITH IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS, By Howard Schwartz
Which college grad from last year has gone on to the NFL? Who replaces these stars? Who are the backups in case the No. 1 guy gets hurt? These are key questions any college football bettor asks before the season opens. And these (and more) are the questions Chris Dortch and his staff answer in the 2005 Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook (384 pages, paperbound, $21.95).
You won’t find betting angles or pointspreads in this gem of a reference guide that coaches, recruiters, scouts and sportscasters use for finding information, but you will find analysis of strengths, weaknesses, projections, and ratings of offense and defense for the upcoming season.
This is a must-read-before-the-season-starts book to help you identify key matchups, major conference clashes and situations that could mean “the big upset.”
The book tells you how many offensive and defensive starters are returning, who the coaches are and what their philosophy or emphasis might be. It explains how they look at offense and defense and whether they are under excessive pressure to win. It shows who was disappointed, who filled in some gaps and who got caught short in recruiting.
It's important to know it might take a few non-conference games for junior college transfers to “gel” in an offense; or that a key player is recovering from surgery or has worked himself into shape after an off-year. Or that the 2005 team is relying more on passing than in previous years or has decided defense is the key.
The book examines categories such as wide receivers and tight ends; quarterbacks; running backs; offensive and defensive lines; kickers; punters; special teams; recruiting. Then Dortch and the staff bring up key questions and offer answers.
This is the fifth year for the football book. Its older brother, the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, founded by Chris Wallace (now general manager of the Boston Celtics) is in its 25th year.
This resource should help identify "sleepers" (underrated teams) early in the season and those perhaps given over-optimistic ratings. In either case, the book has value because of its depth of coverage and price. Get it before the season begins. It should help you win a few extra units after Labor Day.
Note: The books mentioned here are available from Gambler's Book Shop, 630 South 11th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Call l-800-522-1777 from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday Pacific time to order, using only MasterCard, VISA or Discover card (no Amex accepted). You may order through the store web site at www.gamblersbook.com and view the store's 1,000 books, videos and computer software. You may also call or write and ask for the free 80-page catalog to be sent to you. The store, founded in 1964 by John and Edna Luckman, is located about two miles from Downtown Las Vegas, and the same distance from where the Strip begins, a block west of Maryland Parkway, just off Charleston Boulevard.
