richardhutnik
05-17-2004, 09:34 PM
I have to say, "The Tao of Poker: 285 rules to transform your game and your life" by Larry W. Phillips is excellent. It is a collection of rules to help one's poker game, but they are VERY useful rules to apply to life.
One of the rules I like in the book is to work on your game, not making money. And that poker is a game of making the right decision at each point, more than a game of winning money. There was another rule about one should be thankful if they lose early due to bad play, so they don't get bad habits.
The book has rules grouped into reading, and managing, body language, detecting deception, bluffing, managing luck, managing one's emotional states, knowing when to go for it, risk assessment, etc... Sounds like a business manual? Well, the more I have been following No Limit Texas Hold'em the more the game appears to be a useful simulation of life. So a book with basic rules on improving one's poker game would give tips on life.
No Limit Texas Holdem is interesting. Players are dealt two cards at start. Then 3 more are flipped over, then one more and one more. So, only two of the seven cards are face down (and they are unique to each player). This can serve as a useful metaphor for life. Everyone is dealt a small amount of natural ability in life, plus have some cash to put in. Events reveal themselves over time. And, the player with the best hand who stays in the game, wins. It is important to know when to go for it, and when to stay out. One can put all of one's credibility on the line to (which represents going all in). And, so long as you are alive, and have more money, you can always start up a new game.
Anyhow, I really like the book, and highly recommend it. You will find it in the game section, with Poker playing hints books in the local bookstore.
One of the rules I like in the book is to work on your game, not making money. And that poker is a game of making the right decision at each point, more than a game of winning money. There was another rule about one should be thankful if they lose early due to bad play, so they don't get bad habits.
The book has rules grouped into reading, and managing, body language, detecting deception, bluffing, managing luck, managing one's emotional states, knowing when to go for it, risk assessment, etc... Sounds like a business manual? Well, the more I have been following No Limit Texas Hold'em the more the game appears to be a useful simulation of life. So a book with basic rules on improving one's poker game would give tips on life.
No Limit Texas Holdem is interesting. Players are dealt two cards at start. Then 3 more are flipped over, then one more and one more. So, only two of the seven cards are face down (and they are unique to each player). This can serve as a useful metaphor for life. Everyone is dealt a small amount of natural ability in life, plus have some cash to put in. Events reveal themselves over time. And, the player with the best hand who stays in the game, wins. It is important to know when to go for it, and when to stay out. One can put all of one's credibility on the line to (which represents going all in). And, so long as you are alive, and have more money, you can always start up a new game.
Anyhow, I really like the book, and highly recommend it. You will find it in the game section, with Poker playing hints books in the local bookstore.