REVIEW
As the scope of poker literature has broadened, we now have enough books fulfilling certain functions to create their own sub-genres. One of these sub-genres we might call "Poker Self-Help Books". Books that meet this classification are designed to assist players in improving their results by improving their attitude toward the game. Tommy Angelo's Elements of Poker is a new entry into this sub-genre of poker books.
The book starts out with a big section Angelo calls "Universal Elements". Each of these are brief vignettes of poker wisdom, some of which define terms, some provide advice. Even though the word "Hold'em" doesn't appear in the book's title, the book focuses on limit and no-limit hold'em situations, but those who primarily play other games should be able to readily adapt most of what this book covers.
Angelo seems to really like to make up new words. For example, just as the "button" and "cut-off" seats in flop games have been named, he names the seat to the right of the "cut-off" the "hijack" seat. Some of his definitions are useful because they name interesting situations. Some are more cute than necessary. Some people will find these interesting, some will find them silly. This is a matter of taste more than anything else.
Angelo then divides his advice based on the type of game one plays in: table games and Internet games, cash games and tournaments. Along the way he provides some significant insight into aspects of the game and the mind of the player. Some of these examinations are incredibly detailed. Angelo's is the most thorough analysis I've seen in print on the subject of seat selection and changing seats. He also talks more about when and how to call over a floorman when it is necessary to do so than any other book.
Not everyone will find each of these helpful, but I believe most players will find at least some of the things Angelo discusses to be enlightening. For example, a lot of his ideas about demeanor at the table I found to be quite intriguing, and his suggestions about making one's own starting hand tables based on what you'll play under a wide range of circumstances seems like a useful exercise.
On the other hand, there's some stuff I didn't think was nearly as strong. What Angelo has to say about the value of tournament stacks is incorrect and should largely be ignored. Also, he says that all poker win and loss streaks are a fabrication of the player. I find it hard to get past the fact that all I have to do is write down my results and show them to someone, and I've proven the statement wrong. Epistemological concerns aside, I'm sure this is a useful mental construct to get past the up-and-down nature of poker results, it's just not one that works for me.
If poker students are going to become successful players over the course of their careers, they will have to learn to overcome the natural human tendencies we all have that are antithetical to playing winning poker. "Poker Self-Help" books can certainly help a great deal in achieving these goals. Moreover, as we all respond differently to distinct teaching styles, each person will be better served by different approaches. I am quite certain that a lot of people who need to work on the mental aspect of their poker games would benefit greatly from Elements of Poker.
Is Elements of Poker the best book of it's type? I don't think anyone can say for certain. I think it's probably the best for some people who match up well with the way Angelo approaches poker. For those who think that this book might be just what they need, I'd recommend they go to the author's web site at tommeyangelo.com and read some of what he has written. If his approach seems like a match for the needs of prospective readers, then by all means such people should try to get their hands on a copy of his book.
Capsule:
Elements of Poker fits into the emerging sub-genre of "Poker Self-Help" books. The approach is not going to be a great fit for everyone, but I think it will be a good fit for many people, and these folks are likely to find this book quite valuable. I recommend reading some of what Angelo has written on his web site. For those who find what he is saying useful, I recommend his book.
Nick
Christenson
Gambling
Book Reviews
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