Well, if you want to see what life on the poker circuit is like you could go no further than getting hold of a copy of 'Big Deal'. Anthony Holden is no slouch when it comes to writing. He is a journalist by trade, having graduated from Oxford University and having held positions in leading companies such as the Times Newspaper. He has written a number of other books including biographies of Prince Charles and Laurence Olivier. This guy can write.
Despite his highly educated upbringing, Holden has one real love - poker, and in particular Texas Holdem. 'Big Deal' is a biography of Holden's decision to spend a year as a professional poker player.
The year takes him from London to Vegas as well as tournaments in Malta and Morocco. His overall goal of the year is to make a profit on his $20,000 bankroll. The year culminates in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament at Binions Horseshoe.
I find a few things fascinating in this book which makes it head and shoulders above any other poker biography out there.
Firstly, 'Big Deal' gives a real insight into the characters within the professional game, and the ups and downs on the professional poker circuit. Holden plays hands with some of the most respected poker players that have ever lived...Stu 'The Kid' Ungar, Amarillo 'Slim' Preston, David Sklansky, Eric Drache, Phil Hellmuth, and the legendary Jonny Moss. Known to them as 'London Tony', Anthony Holden gets inside the poker world and the stories he tells are truely intriguing.
Secondly, Holden addresses the psychology of the game as well as why it plays such an important part in his life. Why would his weekly poker game at the 'Tuesday Club' be the highlight of the week for such a successful highly educated man? He eventually finds the answer, and it makes interesting reading for the rest of us, and certainly provides enough information for a little self analysis!
Thirdly, Holden gives all aspiring poker players hope. I don't have to tell you that poker is a game of skill, and through 'London Tony's' journey you get a real insight into the game. It's no surprise to hear that most aspiring poker players that read the book all come away saying the same thing..."I want to be a poker pro". Don't say I didn't warn you!
Buddy
© 2006 3DPokerReviews.com
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