This is a collection of 52 original essays from notable contributors, such asIra Glass, on myriad poker topics.

How to play real poker with your friends - without creating enemies! The definitive guide to the classic, dealer’s choice, “friendly poker” game played and loved by tens of millions of Americans for the camaraderie, thrill and raucous good times it produces. This is not a book on how to calculate odds or win money from strangers. It is a book on how you make your friendly game more enjoyable and entertaining as you play with your gang of regular poker buddies through the years. • Practical guidelines for establishing the best atmosphere for the game. Recommendations for types and numbers of players, degree of formality, size of the stakes, table talk, pacing of the game, furniture, equipment, music, lighting, distractions, food and drink, invitations, scheduling and many other key factors. • Big-picture discussions of what poker is all about (bragging rights, not money), why poker is worthy of our time and attention, the unique attributes of the game, and how poker skills beneficially translate the “real world.” • Introduction of several amazingly good games that have never been previously published. Respectable, no wild-card, skill-oriented poker games proven to reward skill and create real challenge. • Descriptions of over fifty of the best and most popular dealer’s choice games, classified by skill level, size of pot, complexity, and good starting and ending cards. And a summary chart of the games and ratings to help you choose what to deal next. • A full set of clear, consistent and well-tested “House Rules” with explanations to allow you to make informed choices as you establish your own “House Rules.” • Introduction of a sophisticated new “Poverty Poker” or loss-limitation system for the group, proven to keep a regular poker game both ruthlessly competitive and completely friendly. • A summary of basic poker strategies and skill levels that can be used to teach the inexperienced players to effectively compete, thereby raising the challenge and enjoyment for your whole group. • A collection of wise, funny, and informative quotes from the 200 years of poker in America.

Poker is a game of table position, flop texture, players in a hand, personalities, and so much more. This book teaches you how to identify and analyze those variables, become a great strategist, and have confidence in any poker situation. Decide to Play Great Poker is written by Annie Duke, the world's most renowned woman poker player, with John Vorhaus, himself a winning poker player and prolific author.

John Patrick's Casino Poker is a book for anyone who has enjoyed a friendly game at home, yet wishes to test his skill against varied (and hitherto unknown) opponents. The book is not for the novice or the high-stakes professional. It is meant for the intermediate player, instructing him in the skills required to "know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em", how to watch for "tells" in other players, and how to keep from offering a tell. The book concentrates on "reading" your opponents' play style as well as on self-discipline and money management.

Understand the basics of the game! Rake in the chips with this savvy guide Whether you're looking to join a friendly weekly poker game or aiming for the championship in a local tournament, this guide gets you started so you can play your way to the top. Discover how to Understand poker rules Know when to hold and when to fold Play Texas Hold'em