Diary of a Mad Poker Player

"Diary" is terrific for learning the inside game of poker and laughing. There are very entertaining characters behind those reflector glasses and grain feed caps. I discovered important plays and strategies while enjoying the author's Monty Python-esque humor. Finally, my knowledge of "tells" has exceeded waiting for a gasp, heave or howl. I don't think amateurs or experts will be disappointed.

Anyone who has ever played online poker and tried to win a seat in "the big one" will enjoy this book. Richard Sparks takes us along for the ride in the post-Moneymaker world of big-time poker as he tries to win a seat in the World Series of Poker. He explores the legitimacy and legality of online poker, the highs and lows of the game, and the rewards and consequences of America's new pasttime. And he does it in such an entertaining way! I thought it was awesome and highly recommend it.

Enjoyed it thoroughly. A great balance between telling funny stories about life and the poker table and giving solid insights into playing well, all tied together with the author's own campaign to win the big prize. You meet some of the crazy quilt of characters who populate the poker world, see behind the scenes and sit with the author while he lives through some of the agonizing situations poker can put you in. It made me want to get out and go find me a game.

A Quest! A Quest! Richard Sparks takes you on an adventure down the rabbit hole into the wild and wonderful world of Hold 'Em poker, where you will experience more of the incredible complexity of this game and the players who have mastered it than you could in A Thousand and One Nights at the poker table. You will feel that you have been there, and you will have an appreciation for the baffling subtleties of the game even as you wonder if you could ever get a handle on them yourself. Make sure that you have some time available before you get started: Sparks writes with a riveting wit that will leave you with no rest. Be prepared to join the "living dead," as he calls those who have been in Las Vegas too long (like more than about 48 hours!). But fear not, you will emerge with bankroll intact, a fresh perspective on the latest obsession, and a new list of must-watch TV shows.

Richard Sparks has come up with a story that tells the tale of the Everyman, in that anyone who has ever played poker has experienced everything he went through. From start to finish, there is not a weak chapter in the book. While it may not be a strategy book per se, people can learn more about their game through seeing themselves in Sparks' words and from the commentary from many of the interviews that are included in the book. Richard also shows the highs and lows of the game, the gut wrenching losses and the elation of the victories. He gives an excellent review of the major poker rooms in existence. And he has given the first major poker work of the 21st century, along with SS2. It should be a part of your poker library.