Beat Texas Hold'em (Tom McEvoy
and Shane Smith)
Beat Texas Hold'em by
Tom McEvoy and Shane Smith
-Focuses on no-limit and
limit hold'em
-Simple and effective techniques for no-limit and limit
ring games as well as tournaments
-Our rating: 79 (out of 100)
Overview
I actually found this book in the most
unlikely of places: an endcap at a local Wal-Mart. The price was
under $7.00, so I picked it up. It's written by 1983 WSOP Main Event
Champion Tom McEvoy with contributions from Shane Smith. This text
is actually quite lengthy for being so inexpensive and I believe is
at least 200-300 pages. Sections include specifics on Limit Hold'em,
No-Limit Hold'em, Tournament Play, and Online Poker.
McEvoy aims to educate beginners on the
most popular forms of Texas Hold'em and plug possible poker strategy
leaks. While intermediate and beyond players may not find much they
haven't already considered, I'm a big advocate for returning to
study the essentials when you're in a poker slump and you aren't
exactly sure why.
The biggest advantages of this book are
the small price tag and the section on no-limit cash games. While it may
be simple advice, you're hard pressed to find any book that deals
with this form of ring game. Almost all popular strategy books are
on fixed limit or tournaments. Kudos to McEvoy for actually
addressing No-Limit ring games.
Comments
Before a beginner sits down at his or
her first real or virtual poker table, this would be an excellent
read. It outlines specific methods you should use as a beginner, and
I don't think that useful poker books should only be looked at once. New
players (or experts for that matter) should read over a new or
especially novel concept
several times in between sessions to really retain the information.
Also, as I mentioned above, it's rare to find books actually
dedicated to no-limit ring games so I appreciated that section. Even
if you pick up just a few tips, this book is so inexpensive that
it's a great value.
The main criticism that I've read about
this book is that it's strictly for beginners. Personally, I that is
a shortsighted comment and that this little paperback is a
particular useful book on the basics. Besides how to play
limit hold'em, no-limit hold'em, and no-limit tournaments McEvoy
gives some poignant and concise advice on specific starting hands,
gameplay situations, and avoiding common traps. He also explains the
necessary adjustments for going from limit games to no-limit cash
games.
Score
Out of 100, I give Beat Texas Hold'em a
79. It shouldn't be the last poker strategy book that you purchase,
but it's a great first one to get you off on the right foot. McEvoy has a knack for explaining poker in a simple manner, and
this is a good choice for the new player. Also, the price is very
affordable.
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