Phil Gordon's Little Green Book: Lessons and Teachings in No Limit Texas Hold'em

Phil Gordon's Little Green Book: Lessons and Teachings in No Limit Texas Hold'em author: Phil Gordon rating: asin: 1416903674 binding: Hardcover list price: $21.00 USD amazon price: $14.28 USD

This book is a terrific introduction to No Limit Holdem. Phil Gordon covers many aspects of both cash games and tournaments in a very accessible manner. The book consists of a ton of bite-size nuggets of information on all aspects of the game. The first half of the book breaks down how to play each street, with specific advice about how to go about playing different types of hand. The second half is more generic advice on psychology, tells and tournament strategies.

Gordon advocates a fairly straightforward, tight-aggressive approach to poker, which is supplemented by some tricky moves such as the "chip sandwich." Following his approach to the game should make you a winner at the lower limits, at the very least. He gives a very detailed insight into his thought process on each type of hand, giving you the right questions to ask in order to come to a good decision.

One interesting section in the book is a listing of player profiles and discussion of their playing styles, particularly that of the "Biggest Online Winner," infamous rapper Prahlad Friedman. Gordon explains the basics of Friedman's no limit strategy using game theory.

There are a few checklists throughout the book that are quite useful. One is a simple guideline for betting "It's my turn to bet...think!" There are also lists for bluffing, how to gear up or down based on game situations and when to go for a check-raise, among others. Gordon emphasizes the point that many factors need to be weighed when making decisions and gives you the right questions to ask yourself.

I highly recommend this book to any beginning or intermediate No Limit Holdem player. It's a very solid and easy to understand guide to the game.