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Poker Nation: A High-Stakes, Low-Life Adventure into the Heart of a Gambling Country
Product
Poker Nation: A High-Stakes, Low-Life Adventure into the Heart of a Gambling Country by Andy Bellin
Hits
- Fun, interesting and entertaining
- Well-written
- Gives the reader a look into the heart of professional poker and the "degenerates" that frequent the tables
Misses
- Does not teach poker players much unique or useful information
Review
Playing poker is a lot of fun, but reading about poker can be a real drag. It isn't such a chore, though, when reading Andy Bellin's Poker Nation.
Bellin invites the reader into his world - a place filled with all that makes life worth living, and an equal dose to make you want to quit playing right now. The book is mainly a biographical look into Bellin's life and how he made his way in the world of poker while winning some hands and losing others.
The book mixes history lessons and personal narrative of real life events. Bellin gives the reader a look at many of the ins and outs of the world of poker by addressing cheating, historical events, personal experiences and the occasional poker tip.
Bellin's best writing is his biographical narrative, where he revisits his experiences in back alley card rooms in New York, the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, being caught for speeding in his Porsche and spending a night in jail. The book is well written and entertaining, and even though most of the historical facts and poker advice have been published in several other books over the years, it still feels fresh.
Poker Nation is a well-written book on the lives of poker players and the lifestyle of a professional gambler. It may not be the best book on the subject, but for someone looking for poker-related entertainment it is not a bad choice at all.
The book totals 272 pages.
Details:
- Paperback $12.95
HarperCollins Publishing
