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Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," is the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he has held since 1979. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry.

May 03, 2007

'Mental' Aspect of Poker Examined; Video Poker Scout Guide Helpful

Two hotsy-totsy titles of interest to poker and video poker aficionados have arrived at Gambler's Book Shop. Alan Schoonmaker's "Your Worst Poker Enemy -- Master The Mental Game" (336 pages, paperbound, $15.95) and "The Frugal Video Poker Scouting Guide" by Jean Scott and Viktor Nacht (34 pages, 3x7, pocket-sized, spiralbound, $19.99).

Schoonmaker, who previously authored the well-received "Psychology of Poker", continues to help poker players analyze themselves and opponents. In his latest work he examines and dissects subjects like logic versus intuition; evaluating ourselves and the opposition; understanding unconscious and emotional forces; adjusting to changes; handling stress.One section in the book that's sure to raise the hackles on the necks of female players involves why men tend to dominate tournaments.

"I therefore believe that more women avoid the poker tournament circuit for competitive than for lifestyle reasons. To put it bluntly, they don't think they can win, and they're probably right."

Overall, Schoonmaker does a fine job of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses that we all carry to and from the table. He also excels in explaining why some players learn from their mistakes, who some candy-coat them and refuse to admit they exist and why others, like generals in battle, learn and build on past errors to become better players in the long run.

The Scott-Nacht book is easy to carry with you to video poker machines. The authors try to guide you to what the casinos already know: Which games are better for the player and which are not; which are the better paying machines and the common variations.

There are more than 175 pay schedules for three dozen different games listed, including the most popular pay schedules nationally-so if you're in Atlantic City or Mississippi, the book will work for you.

Also, the book includes a "volatility rating"-an approximate measure of the kinds of fluctuations you might face while playing; and there's also an "approximate royal progressive break-even point" for dollar and quarter action.

There's a handy index for games, from Aces and Eights to White Hot Aces, in alpha order. Also included are games like Double Bonus Poker; Double Deuces; Double Double Bonus Poker; Loose Deuces; Super Aces Bonus Poker; Super Bonus Deuces Wild; Triple Bonus Poker; Triple Pay Deuces.

Any item reviewed here is available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club). The store's web site is www.gamblersbook.com. You may order there using MasterCard, VISA or Discover (no CODs please) or by phoning the store any day except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time at 1-800-522-1777. Orders usually shipped the next working day. The store, now in its 40th year, is located a mile from downtown Las Vegas, a block west of Maryland Parkway, just off Charleston Boulevard at South 11th Street. You may view the store's complete array of books, videos and software via the Web site or request a hard copy of the catalog be mailed free and first class. The store's address is 630 S. 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.