Ok, well crickets on that request. So I just ordered the book and read it so I'll review it myself.

This is a book, despite the title, that it probably a “step-up” book for the beginnning cash game guy. Luckily, that is me, as I have been playing tournaments almost exclusively. I Have read a few of Ed Millers other books and this one is definitely the best written, in terms of organization, typos, language, etc. So it's a very easy read, it reads like a book. It deals mostly in generalities not technicalities and math, and an overall approach to low limit cash games. I think any semi-advanced cash game player would find it pretty mundane, but as someone very new to the live cash game world I found it very helpful and an enjoyable read. Waaay too pricey at over $40 (it's just a book, jeez) but I should get that value back at my local card room-

Oh, I understand that the book will earn back its $40 no problem. It's kind of a trait of poker books, that they are expensive, probably because they don't sell huge numbers but offer a lot of financially valuable information. Are books about the stock market unusually more expensive? Real estate? How about a book about how to fix my car, or build my house, or start a web business? They all make me $, but I think they sell in much higher volumes and have more competition, bringing the price down. I also can buy an absolutely amazing novel, that probably costs a similar dollar amount to physically produce, and may have taken even much longer and more genius to create, for much less. But these (good ones) usually sell in high enough volume to bring the price down. Books sell for what the market will bear, like anything else.

All that being said, I did buy the book. I think it was well worth it. I read my poker books multiple times, some are more like reference manuals, part of my permanent library. They earn me $. So I gain much value from them. Not a problem, but I do think its interesting how their unique nature in the market has allows them to charge a higher price. Just my 2c.

As far as private coaching goes, I think it is different. That is a direct, unscaleable use of someones time. I definitely see the value in that.

Happy Reading,

R