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Aces and Kings by Kaplan; Poker as Life -- Smooth Reading
Published: 2005-04-25
 Aces and Kings by Kaplan; Poker as Life -- Smooth Reading
by Howard Schwartz They keep on coming, new and interesting books about poker the game, the people who play it and for those who can't get enough new information. The two newest arrivals at Gambler's Book Shop are Aces and Kings by Michael Kaplan and Brad Reagan (281 pages, hardbound, $24.95) and Poker as Life (101 Lessons From The World's Greatest Game) by Lee Schreiber (239 pages, hardbound, $14.95).
Kaplan a regular contributor to Cigar Aficionado and Sports Illustrated magazines and Reagan, who contributes to The Wall Street Journal and Maxim magazines, gained the confidence of some of the world's top poker players and got to them to talk about the challenges of the game and their offbeat, high-energy lifestyle with what they call an "all-cash existence." From old pros to the new generation TV superstars of the game, the two authors trace beginnings to highs and lows, and with a colorful, breezy style, offer a glimpse into a world of pressure, decisions and big paydays.
There are fifteen chapters (with photos of the players featured) to this easy read. Those interviewed are Puggy Pearson, Amarillo Slim, Doyle Brunson, each in their own way, part of poker history; followed by Chip Reese, the late Stu Ungar; Erik Seidel, Phil Hellmuth; Men Nguyen; Howard Lederer; David Ulliott; Annie Duke; Chris Ferguson and Barry Greenstein.
There's a section on online poker; a look at new arrivals and future champions like Daniel Negreanu; Phil Ivey and Erick Lindgren.
There's good how-to stuff, along with a look at how the game has gained popularity; how each individual approaches the game and tools they bring to the table; a look at the different type of table "image" each reflects when they play; along with the "dues" each paid to reach heights of "world-class player."
The authors truly have a feel for the game -- they played, observed, listened, absorbed the feeling and attitude these top players have for the game. They understand the language and offer up each profile with colorful incidents, key hands, turning points in the lives of many.
This is a fine addition to a gaming library; a nice item to have while on summer vacation for recreational reading or one to help prepare yourself for the pressure-cooker world of high stakes poker.
Poker as Life by Schreiber is both a reference guide to the game, packed with wit and wisdom and a quick read. It's packed with advice, trivia, quotes about the game from the famous and not-so-famous, but there's a lot that makes sense and these "quick bites" of advice will probably help you become a more disciplined player and have a better understanding of the game.
There's a section on good and bad luck signs; the best and worst poker movies -- according to the author (here I don't agree that The Cincinnati Kid ranks 10th), but that's what makes life interesting--diversity of opinion.
A good theme for the book might be that poker the game, often reflects the realities of life -- the dangers, the moves our competitors in business or some other area, may test us with. It's about bluffing, out-lasting, being wary, making smart moves, doing our homework and avoiding the hidden dangers we may encounter.
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Poker classics are under investigation
Published: 2005-04-25
 Poker classics are under investigation
by Claire Connolly Doyle
POKER classics are the latest craze to hit Limerick this year but it now emerges those taking place in licensed premises or rented rooms are illegal and gardai will be closing them down. The largest of the poker classics takes place every Tuesday night in the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel with up to 100 people attending every week.
A garda spokesperson this week confirmed however that a poker classic advertised at an Ennis Road pub was cancelled after it was explained to the licensee and the poker game promoter that it was illegal. And a spokesperson for Henry Street confirmed that "a number of others are currently being investigated”.
"Poker games in licensed premises are illegal under Sect 9 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956,” he explained. "Poker games are only legal of the promoter is not gaining any profit from them, if for example, the person who won the classic at the end of the night wins the pool prize, but all of the rest of the proceeds go to charity.”
"The intention of the legislator I think was to prevent people from betting their shirt, their homes, anything, because they had easy access to intoxicating liquor,” he explained.
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But he pointed out that even so, < n>it is still illegal for games to take place in a rented room, such as a hotel conference centre even if the bar is closed, as the owner of the hotel is then making a profit from the game.
The garda spokesperson also said that it is illegal to advertise the poker nights.
The promoter the Kilmurry Lodge poker game told the Limerick Post that he had not been contacted by gardai but would cooperate with whatever requests were made.
Michael Barry said that the numbers of people attending his classics were growing every week. "Predominantly those who attend are men, aged any where from early 20 to late 60s.” He said that the maximum one person can lose in a night is 50 euro and that the prize at the end of the night depends on how many people play, but is usually around 1,000 euro.
Speaking to the Limerick Post at a recent poker classic at the Kilmurry Lodge, Trinity Rooms bar manager Stephen Kiely said that he has been attending the poker games for the last month.
Asked if he usually does well, Mr Kiely admitted that he usually loses the full 50 euro.
"I don’t mind losing it. It’s very good craic,” he said, "and someone could end up spending that much on alcohol on a night out. Most people don’t drink much at these, people are here for the conversation and the cards.”
Meanwhile, Mr Barry confirmed that some of the proceeds from the poker classics he organises go to charity. "So far this year we’ve given 5,000 euro to Milford Hospice and they will get more.”
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